The Use of Expert System in the Rehabilitation of Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Arthroscopic Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee. ACL lesions cause joint instability and severe disturbances in physical function and balance. After ACL reconstruction surgery, patients' ability to perform daily activities is significantly reduced and rehabilitation programs are necessary. The objective of the present study was to use an expert system for virtual reality application with the Wii Fit system to run a rehabilitation program in patients after ACL reconstruction.

This pilot study was performed as a randomized clinical trial on 20 eligible patients in two treatment groups over four weeks; one group with an expert system-based program with Wii Fit (WF group) and the other group with a standard rehabilitation program (CT group). In the first phase of the study, an expert system was developed with the help of specialists, then in the clinical phase, all patients were evaluated and rehabilitated. In statistical analysis, paired t-test and independent t-test were used.

Findings from statistical analysis showed significant differences before and after rehabilitation between the two groups in pain (P<0.001), joint swelling (P<0.001), thigh girth (P<0.001), Knee range of motion (P=0.002), and functional status of patients with Single-leg hop for distance (P<0.001), and Single-leg hop for time (P=0.014). The results revealed a significant improvement in patients in the WF group compared to the CT group.

The rehabilitation approach using the expert system for Wii Fit exercises has had significant effects on pain, swelling, range of motion, and patient performance compared to the usual rehabilitation method.