Journal
KNEE
Volume 22, Issue 3, Pages 270-277Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2014.11.013
Keywords
ACL; Eccentric; Rehabilitation; Electrostimulation; Strength training
Categories
Funding
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health [K08 AR05315201A2]
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Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to reduce quadriceps activation failure (QAF), and eccentric exercise has been shown to lessen muscle atrophy post-ACL reconstruction. Given that these are two critical components of quadriceps strength, intervention combining these therapies may be effective at reinstituting quadriceps function post-reconstruction. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined NMES and eccentric exercise intervention to improve the recovery of quadriceps activation and strength post-reconstruction. Methods: Thirty-six individuals post-injury were placed into four treatment groups (N&E, NMES and eccentrics; E-only, eccentrics only; N-only, NMES-only; and STND, standard of care) and ten healthy controls participated. N&E and N-only received the NMES protocol 2 x per week for the first 6 weeks post-reconstruction. N&E and E-only received the eccentric exercise protocol 2 x per week beginning 6 weeks post-reconstruction. Quadriceps activation was assessed via the superimposed burst technique and quantified via the central activation ratio. Quadriceps strength was assessed via maximal voluntary isomeric contractions (Nm/kg). Data was gathered on three occasions: pre-operative, 12-weeks-post-surgery and at return-to-play. Results: No differences in pre-operative measures existed (P > 0.05). E-only recovered quadriceps activation better than N-only or STND (P < 0.05). N&E and E-only recovered strength better than N-only or the STND (P < 0.05) and had strength values that were similar to healthy at return-to-play (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Eccentric exercise was capable of restoring levels of quadriceps activation and strength that were similar to those of healthy adults and better than NMES alone. Level of evidence: Level 3, Parallel longitudinal study (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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