Effects of Supervised Plyometric Training on Neuromuscular and Knee Functions for Late Phase Rehabilitation Program in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To determine the effects of plyometric training programs on neuromuscular and knee functions during the late phase rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Thirty participants, post-ACL reconstruction, were randomly assigned at their 6-month follow-up visit into two groups: 15 participants in each group (resistance or plyometric training group). Each group underwent two training sessions weekly for 8 weeks. The participants were assessed at baseline and after completed the training period for the single leg 6-meter timed hop, knee joint position sense, static and dynamic balance, isokinetic muscle strength and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form. Results: Post an 8-week training period, both groups showed improvements in the single leg 6-meter timed hop. Notably, the limb symmetry index for this hop in the plyometric group was significantly higher than the resistance group {18.2% (10.2, 26.1) vs 6.2% (-2.0, 14.5) respectively}. The plyometric group also demonstrated significantly better knee joint position sense {-3.1° (-4.3, -1.9) vs -0.8° (-2.0, 0.4) respectively}and the unipedal stance on a stable surface with eyes closed {13.9 sec (2.7, 25.2) vs -2.6 sec (-14.3, 9.1) respectively} than the resistance group. Conclusion: Plyometric training in the late phase of ACL rehabilitation program has proven to be a suitable and effective approach for enhancing neuromuscular and knee functions.