Proprioception recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Isokinetic versus dynamic exercises

Background/Aim: Proprioception recovery is one of the main postoperative rehabilitation goals after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The aim of this study was to examine the level of proprioception recovery in patients 9 months after the ACL reconstruction using hamstring graft. Methods: A prospective study followed 70 male subjects (mean age 27.36 ± 5.94) divided into two groups depending on the type of proprioceptive exercise applied. Group A patients (n = 35) underwent proprioceptive training on a Biodex 4 Pro System isokinetic dynamometer for 10 minutes 5 times per week. In group B, patients underwent proprioception exercises in the gym for 10 minutes 5 times per week. The degree of recovery of proprioception was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer preoperatively and 9 months after ACL reconstruction. Flexion angles in the operated knee of 15, 30 and 45 degrees were monitored. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analyses. The value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A significant difference was found in the recovery of proprioception in patients depending on the type of training applied. Statistically significant recovery of proprioception was observed in patients from both groups 9 months after ACL reconstruction, but it was better in patients of group A (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Applying proprioceptive training on an isokinetic dynamometer achieves better proprioceptive recovery in patients 9 months after ACL reconstruction versus dynamic exercises in the gym.