Does proprioceptive training improve joint function and psychological readiness in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionA decrease in proprioceptive sensation occurs after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, there is relatively little research on proprioceptive rehabilitation, compared with studies on muscle strength and range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of supplementing a traditional rehabilitation program with proprioceptive training in ACLR patients to improve knee function, psychological readiness, pain and dynamic balance in the early postoperative period.MethodsThis was a randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial in which 48 patients were enrolled in either proprioceptive group (n = 24) or control group (n = 24) from the first week up to 12 th weeks of the operation. Participants in the control group received a traditional ACLR rehabilitation program, while the proprioceptive group received additional proprioceptive training in addition to the traditional ACLR rehabilitation program. The outcome measures included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the ACL Return to Sport After Injury scale (ACL-RSI), the visual analog scale (VAS), and the Y-Balance Test before and after surgery.ResultsWe found that, at 12 weeks post-surgery, patients in the proprioceptive group had significantly higher IKDC scores compared to those in the control group (74.8 +/- 4.3 vs 71.6 +/- 5.2, P = 0.04). At the 12 th week, the ACL-RSI score of patients in the proprioceptive group was greater than that of the control group (68.2 +/- 9.2 vs 62.8 +/- 8.2, P = 0.04). The Y balance comprehensive index (YBCI) in the proprioceptive group of patients was greater than that in the control group (94.5% +/- 3.3% vs 91.5% +/- 4.1%, P = 0.01) at 12 weeks after surgery. No statistically significant differences in the VAS score were found between the two groups.ConclusionsProprioceptive training is superior to conventional training in terms of knee function, psychological readiness and dynamic balance 12 weeks after ACL reconstruction surgery, but has no statistically significant effect on pain.Trial registration(Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn), No. ChiCTR2400087631, 7/31/2024).