Similar outcomes and satisfaction of the proprioceptive versus standard training on the knee function and proprioception, following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have poorer proprio-ception than people without such injuries. The effects of proprioceptive training on knee functionality and proprioceptive improvement after ACL reconstruction is still unclear. Methods: The research material consisted of 40 patients after ACL reconstruction. Of the 40 patients, 20 of them were rehabilitated with a standard program and 20 with additional proprioceptive exercises. The sub-jective and the objective scores were evaluated. Results: No differences were found between the proprioceptive versus the conservative postoperative rehabilitation in the functional nor in the pro-prioception outcomes of the operated limbs. Conclusions: There is no advantage to function in doing proprioceptive rehabilitation exercises following the ACL reconstruction, when compared with a traditional strengthening program.