Is kinesiotherapy preoperative effective in relieving knee pain, increasing knee strength and range of motion in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury

One of the most common knee ligament injuries is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture which is associated with limited range of motion (ROM). Therefore, the aim aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a course of kinesiotherapy on pain, joint range of motion and knee strength in patients with ACL injury before surgery.

A total of 20 male patients with ACL injury ranging in age from 17 to 29 years were divided into two groups of kinesiotherapy (n = 11) and control (n = 9). The kinesiotherapy group underwent three sessions per week for 8 weeks. Subjects were tested before and after the treatment. Pain variables, isokinetic strength of knee extensor muscles and knee joint ROM were measured by visual Analogue scale (VAS), goniometer and biodex dynamometer, respectively. Data were analyzed using Studentchr('39')s t-test at the significant level of p <0.05.

After a period of kinesiotherapy, the mean pain index, maximum quadriceps muscle torque and knee joint ROM improved in the kinesiotherapy group (P <0.05).

It seems that kinesiotherapy reduces pain, increases the knee joint ROM and strengthens the quadriceps muscles before surgery. According to the results of this study, the use of appropriate kinesiotherapy programs to improve the strength and knee joint ROM; can be a quick solution for athletes with ACL rupture before surgery.