The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training in Cases With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of six weeks (three times a week) Wingate style high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on strength, proprioception, flexibility, laxity, performance, and body composition in subjects who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the hamstring autograft method.Material and Methods Within the scope of the study, 29 volunteers who had undergone hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction at least six months ago were randomized and divided into two groups HIIT (n=15) and control (n=14) groups. After the initial assessments, the Wingate style HIIT was applied to the experimental group three days a week for six weeks. The control group continued their normal lifestyle and exercise habits. After six weeks, final evaluations were made. After obtaining the subjects' demographic information, body composition was measured with Tanita. Then, knee laxity measurement with GNRB arthrometer, 30(degrees) and 60(degrees)proprioception assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer, muscle strength (quadriceps femoris, hamstring (concentric/eccentric) at 60(degrees)/sec and endurance measurements at 180(degrees)/sec were performed respectively. Sit and reach test for flexibility and performance (single leg jump, vertical jump, agility) parameters were measured.Results According to the findings, significant decrease in body composition (p < 0.001), increase in strength in concentric quadriceps (p < 0.001) and hamstring muscles (p < 0.001), Improvement was observed in performance tests such as < 0.001), vertical jump (p < 0.001), single-leg hop test (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), and operated side (30(degrees) and 60(degrees)) proprioception tests (p < 0.005). However, better eccentric strength increase (p > 0.005), 180(degrees)/sec endurance strength increase (p > 0.005), and flexibility (p > 0.005) did not occur in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles better than control group.Conclusions With these results, it is thought that HIIT can be added to current physiotherapy programs as it provides positive enhancements in body composition, restoring muscle strength, operated side proprioception, and increasing performance parameters without increasing knee laxity after ACL reconstruction.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of six weeks of Wingate-style high-intensity interval training on strength, proprioception, flexibility, laxity, performance, and body composition in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The results showed that HIIT improved body composition, restored muscle strength, operated side proprioception, and increased performance parameters.