Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Gait Symmetry and Muscle Properties Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of aquatic therapy and land-based rehabilitation on gait symmetry and muscle properties following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The study comprised 20 postoperative ACLR patients in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Participants were divided into 2 groups: an aquatic therapy group (n = 10) and a land-based rehabilitation group (n = 10). Both rehabilitation programs were tailored to individual patient needs. Gait parameters were assessed using a high-speed camera before and after the intervention, while muscle tone and stiffness were measured using MyotonPRO. The study findings reveal a significant difference in step length symmetry between the 2 groups postintervention. Within-group analysis showcased noteworthy improvements in the aquatic therapy group, including enhanced single-support phase duration symmetry, reduced vastus lateralis muscle tone on the affected side, and enhanced hamstring muscle tone on the affected side. Conversely, the land-based rehabilitation group demonstrated significant increases in stiffness solely within the affected vastus lateralis. The study suggests aquatic therapy as a viable postoperative option following ACLR. While land-based rehabilitation has its benefits, aquatic therapy shows superior effectiveness in normalizing gait symmetry and restoring muscle properties.