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Comparable results seen with high- vs low-intensity plyometric exercise after ACL reconstruction
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Results from this randomized controlled trial showed both low- and high-intensity plyometric exercise for rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction positively affected knee function, knee impairments and psychological status among patients after 8 weeks of intervention.
Researchers randomly assigned 24 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction to 8 weeks of either low- or high-intensity plyometric exercise, and the groups were distinguished by the anticipated magnitude of vertical ground-reaction forces. Investigators assessed patient outcomes with the IDKC subjective knee form and a biomarker for articular cartilage degradation.
Investigators also looked at articular cartilage metabolism determined with urine serum concentrations of the C-terminal propeptide of newly formed type II collagen (sCPII) and blood biomarkers, inflammation, functional performance, knee impairments and psychological status. Investigators measured anterior knee laxity with a knee arthrometer and evaluated pain intensity with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Changes in measures were compared between the groups.
Results showed the low-intensity and high-intensity plyometric exercise groups were not significantly different with regard to changes in outcome measures. Investigators noted the sCPII changed in opposite directions between the two groups. There was a positive mean value in the low-intensity group and negative mean value in the high-intensity group.
According to researchers, the IKDC score, vertical jump height and normalized knee extensor torque increased and mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale decreased after intervention in both groups. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Chmielewski reports she was supported by a grant from the NIH (K01-HD052713). Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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