The impact of different physiotherapy programs on knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Object of study: knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Problem of study: Anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation is widely investigated, however there is no generally accepted physiotherapy program, that would be the most efficient for persons after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Nevertheless large number of scientific researches, we did not managed to find any articles, comparing the impact of isokinetic training with and without visual feedback to operated knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Hypothesis of study: we believe that physiotherapy progam, including isokinetic training with visual feedback will be more efficient to persons after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction knee function than isokinetic training without visual feedback. Aim of study: to compare the impact of different physiotherapy programs to the knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Goals of study: 1. To determine knee extensors and flexors muscles torque and flexors-extensors ratio before and after physiotherapy program with and without visual feedback. 2. To determine knee range of motion and thigh circumference before and after physiotherapy program with and without visual feedback. 3. To determine subjective knee function evaluation results before and after physiotherapy program with and without visual feedback. 4. To compare the impact of physiotherapy program with and without visual feedback to knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. 5. To determine relationship between knee extensors and flexors torque, subjective knee function evaluation results and other investigated variables. Conclusions: 1. Knee extensor and flexor muscles torque values were higher after physiotherapy with and without visual feedback, flexors-extensors ratio increased after physiotherapy without visual feedback. 2. Knee range of motion and thigh circumference were not altered after physiotherapy with and without visual feedback. 3. Subjective knee fuction evaluation scores increased after physiotherapy with and without visual feedback. 4. Visual feedback during physiotherapy results in greater increases in knee extensor muscles torque at low angular speed and better subjective knee function evaluation scores, meanwhile higher flexor-extensor ratio was observed without visual feedback. 5. Knee extensors torque directly correlates with subjective knee function evaluation scores, body mass index scores and vice-versa with pain intensity, meanwhile body mass index indirectly correlates with subjective knee function evaluation scores