Effects of Supervised Plyometric Training on Neuromuscular and Knee Functions for Late Phase Rehabilitation Program in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Wacharapol  Tepa; Pisit Lertwanich; Napasakorn Chuensiri

doi:10.33192/smj.v76i6.266228

Authors

Wacharapol Tepa Area of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand / Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Pisit Lertwanich Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Napasakorn Chuensiri Area of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand / Exercise Physiology in Special Population Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v76i6.266228

Keywords:

anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, plyometric, neuromuscular functions

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of plyometric training programs on neuromuscular and knee functions during the late phase rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Materials and Methods: Thirty participants, post-ACL reconstruction, were randomly assigned at their 6-month follow-up visit into two groups: 15 participants in each group (resistance or plyometric training group). Each group underwent two training sessions weekly for 8 weeks. The participants were assessed at baseline and after completed the training period for the single leg 6-meter timed hop, knee joint position sense, static and dynamic balance, isokinetic muscle strength and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form.

Results: Post an 8-week training period, both groups showed improvements in the single leg 6-meter timed hop. Notably, the limb symmetry index for this hop in the plyometric group was significantly higher than the resistance group {18.2% (10.2, 26.1) vs 6.2% (-2.0, 14.5) respectively}. The plyometric group also demonstrated significantly better knee joint position sense {-3.1° (-4.3, -1.9) vs -0.8° (-2.0, 0.4) respectively}and the unipedal stance on a stable surface with eyes closed {13.9 sec (2.7, 25.2) vs -2.6 sec (-14.3, 9.1) respectively} than the resistance group.

Conclusion: Plyometric training in the late phase of ACL rehabilitation program has proven to be a suitable and effective approach for enhancing neuromuscular and knee functions.

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