Crossover Training Effects of Three Different Rehabilitation Programs After Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

The present study investigated the crossover effect of three rehabilitation programs (isokinetic, isotonic and home exercise), that were focused on the involved extremity, on the isokinetic performance of knee flexors and extensors and the functional performance of the uninvolved leg in subjects who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Twenty-eight patients (mean age: 28) were measured for isokinetic performance and functional performance with the single jump, triple jump and vertical jump 14 days and 33 days after surgery. Peak torque of hamstrings at 60 degrees/sec (p = .008), hamstrings at 180 degrees/sec (p<0.001), quadriceps at 180 degrees/sec (p = 0.024), single jump (p < 0.001), triple jump (p = 0.002), and vertical jump (p = 0.005) were significantly increased during the final measurement session compared to the initial measurement session. The knee flexors exhibited higher gains than the knee extensors. There were no differences between the isokinetic, isotonic, and home exercise program group (p = 0.506). Researchers and clinicians are encouraged to obtain measurements of the uninvolved leg at consistent time points between groups in order to allow for accurate comparisons.