Overview
After randomization, the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy, including manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for ACL rehabilitation. The first experimental group will undergo percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of the sciatic nerve, while the second experimental group will receive a placebo stimulation. Both interventions aim to improve isometric strength, muscle activation, joint range of motion, and thigh circumference, as well as reduce pain and intra-articular effusion. The procedure involves needle insertion into the sciatic nerve epineurium, placement of a surface electrode on the hamstrings, and connection to an electrostimulator.
Description
After randomization, participants in the control group will undergo only the conventional physiotherapy program, which consists of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for the rehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament. The first experimental group will receive a percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation protocol applied to the sciatic nerve, consisting of 10 cycles of 10 seconds of electrical current followed by 10 seconds of rest, with the intensity adjusted to the patient's tolerance threshold. The second experimental group will follow the same procedure but with a placebo stimulation. The interventions aim to improve isometric strength, muscle activation, joint range of motion, and thigh circumference, while also reducing pain and intra-articular effusion. The experimental procedure involves inserting a needle into the epineurium of the sciatic nerve after disinfecting the area and placing a surface electrode on the hamstring muscles, followed by connecting the needle to an electrostimulator.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Use of the Semitendinous and Gracilis tendons for ACL Reconstruction
- Joint Range of Motion greater than or equal to 90
- Primary ACL injury in the leg to be treated
Exclusion Criteria:
- Chronic or rheumatic joint disease
- Central nervous system disorder
- Heart disease (pacemaker)
- Neoplasms
- Epilepsy
- Coagulopathies (use of anticoagulants)
- History of spinal surgery or lumbar disease
- History of neurological disorders
- Prosthesis or osteosynthesis in the operated leg
- Structural discrepancy in lower-limb length
- Belonephobia (overwhelming fear of needles)
- Neuropathic pain or bilateral symptoms
- Use of analgesics
- Quadriceps tendon graft harvest
- Body mass index \<20 or \>30 kg/m²
- Acute muscle injuries
- Knee joint instability
- Acute joint inflammation
