Effect of Perturbation Training on Postural Control in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR), postural control deficit remains due to sensory defect. Performing exercises based on neuromuscular training (perturbation training) may cause “postural control” and “functional level” improvement. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of perturbation training on postural control in patients with history of ACLR.
A total of 20 patients with history of ACLR who had followed routine rehabilitation protocol, and who returned to the previous level of activity, were included in two equal treatment and control groups. The mean time after surgery was 9.52.1 months. Force plate test was performed for evaluating the center of pressure parameters such as mean Velocity (Vm), Standard Seviation for distance (SDx), and Velocity (SDv) for each group. Also, cross hop functional test and subjective IKDC were performed for both groups. For treatment group only, 10 sessions of perturbation training were performed. Finally, these tests were repeated and compared between the two groups.
A significant increase was observed in the score of IkDC in treatment group (P- value Perturbation training can induce decrease in the center of pressure parameters, which increases functional test and IKDS scores. According to the results of the present study, performing perturbation protocol in patients who have had ACLR is recommended.