Effects of Isokinetic Training on the Muscles After Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Current research analyzes the effects of isokinetic training on the clinical outcome of rehabilitation in relation to the reduction of the torque flexor deficit (m hamstring) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The study included 144 subjects of both sexes (72 female and 72 male, average age 28.20 +/- 4.52 years), four months after ACL knee reconstruction using the Hamstring Graft (HG). Subjects were divided into two groups according to the type of rehabilitation treatment they conducted: a) Isokinetic (experimental) group (72 subjects, 36 males and 36 females), performed kinesitherapy according to the isokinetic exercise protocol which consisted of one day of isokinetic training for 30 minutes, five times a week, for a total of six weeks. b) Classic (control) group (72 subjects, 36 males and 36 females), performed kinesitherapy based on standard isotonic exercises to increase muscle strength, i.e. weight training and in the gym. The difference in the outcome of rehabilitation was objectified by a standard concentric-concentric isokinetic test at an angular velocity of 60 degrees / s (Hcon: Qcon) before and after the completed rehabilitation. The monitoring parameter was the deficit of torque of the knee flexor (hamstring) of the reconstructed leg in relation to the healthy leg (FLDEF -%). The follow-up period was six weeks. After analysing all parameters, the subjects were divided into subgroups according to the outcome of rehabilitation: Subgroup 1:There is no difference between the extremities, i.e. which are without a significant deficit (DEF <= 10%), Subgroup 2:Those who need to continue rehabilitation in the same way as before (DEF = 10 - 25%) Subgroup 3:They have marked functional impairment and need additional or different rehabilitation program, i.e. they have a significant functional impairment(DEF >= 25%). Results:After 6 weeks of exercise, there is a reduction in the hamstring strength deficit of the reconstructed leg in relation to the healthy leg in both study groups, but in the isokinetic group, this reduction in deficit is more significant. In the isokinetic group, there is a significantly higher number of subjects who remained within the same subgroup or entered a higher subgroup (subgroup of smaller deficit). In the classic group, a transition from a higher to a lower subgroup was observed in female subjects after 6 weeks of rehabilitation. Conclusion: Isokinetics is an excellent method of detection and rehabilitation of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and when analyzing isokinetic parameters, as many parameters as possible should be taken into account and not rely only on the deficit of the operated limb in relation to the healthy one.