Functional Resistance Training Improves Thigh Muscle Strength after ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine if a walking-specific functional resistance training (FRT) program improves knee strength in individuals after ACL reconstruction.
Results Summary
The BRACE group showed greater knee extensor and flexor strength compared to the TARGET MATCH group at both post-intervention and 8-week follow-up, and greater knee flexor strength than the BAND group post-intervention. FRT with a customized knee brace was concluded to be beneficial for ACL rehabilitation.
Population
Individuals after ACL reconstruction
Effective Dosage
Training 2-3 times per week
Duration
8 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Functional resistance training (FRT) with a customized knee BRACE | increase | knee extensor strength | individuals after ACL reconstruction | - | had greater | #1 |
Functional resistance training (FRT) with a customized knee BRACE | increase | knee flexor strength | individuals after ACL reconstruction | - | had greater | #2 |
Functional resistance training (FRT) with a customized knee BRACE | increase | knee extensor and flexor strength | individuals after ACL reconstruction | - | results in improvements | #3 |
Functional resistance training (FRT) | neutral | ACL rehabilitation | individuals after ACL reconstruction | - | is a beneficial adjuvant | #4 |
Functional resistance training (FRT) | increase | strength | individuals after ACL reconstruction | - | leads to better strength | #5 |
PURPOSE: Quadriceps weakness is common after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, resulting in prolonged disability and increased risk for reinjury and osteoarthritis. Functional resistance training (FRT) combines resistance training with task-specific training and may prove beneficial in restoring quadriceps strength. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a walking-specific FRT program (e.g., resisted walking) improves knee strength in individuals after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty participants were randomized into one of three groups: 1) FRT with a customized knee BRACE applied to the ACL leg, 2) FRT with elastic BAND tethered to the ankle of the ACL leg, or 3) a TARGET MATCH condition where no resistance was externally applied. Participants in all groups received training while walking on a treadmill 2-3 times per week for 8 wk. Isometric knee extension and flexion strength were measured before the start of the intervention, after the intervention (POST), and 8 wk after intervention completion (POST-2). RESULTS: The BRACE group had greater knee extensor strength compared with the TARGET MATCH group at POST and POST-2 ( P < 0.05). The BRACE group had greater knee flexor strength than the TARGET MATCH group at POST and POST-2 ( P < 0.05) and the BAND group at POST ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FRT applied via a customized knee brace results in improvements in knee extensor and flexor strength after ACL reconstruction. FRT is a beneficial adjuvant to ACL rehabilitation and leads to better strength compared with standard of care.