Functional Outcomes of a Criterion-based Rehabilitation Protocol for ACL Reconstruction in Amateur Athlete

Functional Outcomes of a Criterion-based Rehabilitation Protocol for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Amateur Athlete: Randomized Controlled Trial

Although current rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are based on the graft remodeling process, there is uncertainty about its time schedule. Moreover, there are individual differences in neuromotor learning and flexibility after ACLR. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol on pain intensity, effusion, and knee function in amateur athletes following ACLR.

Although current rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are based on the graft remodeling process, there is uncertainty about its time schedule. Moreover, there are individual differences in neuromotor learning and flexibility after ACLR. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol on pain intensity, effusion, and knee function in amateur athletes following ACLR.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Amateur male athletes who underwent ACLR surgery with an autologous hamstring (HS) graft.
• Ranging in age from 18 to 35 years.
• Underwent a pre-operative rehabilitation program with minimal knee effusion, full Extension, good patellofemoral mobility
• Ability to actively control the quadriceps.

Exclusion Criteria:

• ACLR with any graft other than a hamstring graft
• ACL revision surgery
• associated medial or lateral ligamentous injuries
• previous meniscectomy or meniscal repair
• simultaneous meniscectomy or meniscus repair with the ACLR
• cartilage damage.