The Effects of a Combined Pre- and Post-Operative Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation Program on Lower Extremity Muscle Imbalance

This study examined whether the 5-week pre-operative progressive exercise rehabilitation program with weekly monitoring contributed to a significantly lower muscle activity imbalance in treatment group, both before and immediately after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), as well during next 5 weeks comparison control group. Twelve professional soccer players took part (from among top three Polish levels of competition) (age: 26 ± years, body mass: 73 7 kg, stature: 180 6 cm, training experience: 15 4 years). The participants were randomly assigned group (n = 6) or 6). Both groups performed same pre- post-operative program, while was extended by supplementary body-weight functional stabilization training. three-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant interaction for × time (p < 0.0001; F 24.897; η2 0.806). post-hoc analysis effect indicated higher every measured at any point than p 0.036 0.0001). from 1st 4th last week surgery quadriceps 0.016 all) hamstrings 0.001). However, case gluteal muscles’ imbalance, it phase results this showed that influenced outcomes phase. Nevertheless, performing post-ACLR reduced limbs, but muscles, not sufficient level.