Overview
The primary goal of this RCT is to evaluate the effect of adding plyometric training on standard program intervention in patients aged 18-40 years who have undergone ACLR surgery.
The primary question to answer is does adding plyometrics training to the standard rehabilitation program has superior effect in the improvement of muscular strength, dynamic balance and functional performance in ACLR patients. Participants will be divided into two groups. Group 1 (control) receives standard program for 24 weeks, and Group 2 (interventional) receives the same standard program for 16 weeks, followed by adding plyometrics for additional 8 weeks alongside with the standard program (total of 24 weeks).
Description
Achieving full recovery after ACLR is still challenging as persistent deficits of muscular strength have still reported. Plyometrics consists of rapid muscle stretch (eccentric action) followed immediately by a shortening (concentric action) of the same muscle and connective tissue.
This study hypothesizes that adding plyometric training to standard physiotherapy will improve muscular strength, proprioception, dynamic balance and functional performance
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18-40 years
- Primary unilateral ACL reconstruction
- Reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon (HT) autograft
- Cleared by operating surgeon for progressive resistance and functional training
- Able to perform full weight-bearing ambulation without assistive devices
Exclusion Criteria:
- Revision ACL reconstruction
- Associated grade III ligament injury
- Meniscal repair (meniscectomy is not an exclusion)
- Concomitant chondral defect requiring surgical intervention or cartilage repair
- Contralateral lower limb injury within the preceding 12 months
- Body mass index (BMI) \> 35 kg/m²
