Effects of Postoperative Physiotherapy Supervision Duration on Clinical Outcome, Speed, and Agility in Males 8 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Background

We investigated whether the duration of postoperative physiotherapy supervision by a physiotherapist affects clinical outcome, speed, and agility in males 8 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Material/Methods

From a group of 248 patients 8 months after ACLR, we used strict exclusion criteria to identify 2 groups of men who were well trained and frequently participated in sports pre-injury, with different durations of postoperative physiotherapy supervision: Group I ( n=15; x=27.40 weeks) and Group II ( n=15; x=8.07 weeks). Group III ( n=30) were controls. Clinical evaluation (manual ligament assessment, knee joint and thigh circumferences, range of motion), pain assessment, and run test with maximal speed and change-of-direction manoeuvres, was performed.

Results

No clinically significant abnormalities were noted in any studied groups in terms of clinical and pain assessments. The time of the run test was significantly increased in Group II (x=23.77 s) compared with Group I (x=21.76 s) and Group III (x=21.15 s). The average speed was significantly reduced in Group II (x=2.05 m*s ⁻¹) compared with Group I (x=2.22 m*s ⁻¹) and Group III (x=2.27 m*s ⁻¹). The duration of physiotherapy supervision was significantly negatively correlated with the time results of the run test ( r=−0.353; p=0.046) and positively correlated with the average speed ( r=0.360; p=0.049).

Conclusions

Both shorter and longer duration of postoperative physiotherapy supervision resulted in successful clinical outcomes in terms of studied features in males 8 months after ACLR. Nevertheless, longer physiotherapy supervision was more effective for improving speed and agility to the level of healthy individuals.