The Impact of Isoinertial Eccentric Strength Training on Knee Related Quality of Life and Function: An Experimental Trial in Post-acl Reconstruction Patients

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction often experience challenges such as limited range of motion caused by swelling and stiffness post-surgery, along with muscle weakness, often leads to poorer functional outcomes scores and decreased activity levels.Previous researches indicated that flywheel resistance training can enhance eccentric muscle loading and strength. However, there is limited study on isoinertial eccentric strength training with conventional rehabilitation affects knee-related quality of life and function in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction surgery. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of isoinertial eccentric strength training protocol along with conventional rehabilitation protocol and conventional rehabilitation protocol only on knee related quality of life in postoperative patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. Methodology: A total of 96 out of 136 screened patients aged 18-45 years, 3 weeks postop patients were included as per selection criteria and randomly divided into groups. Group A consisted of 47 patients (n=47) which were administered Isoinertial Eccentric Strength Training with Conventional Rehabilitation Protocol whereas 49 patients in group B(n=49) received conventional rehabilitation protocol only over 6 weeks. The patients were assessed for knee related quality of life using Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and knee related function using Cincinnati knee rating System (CKRS) respectively before and after the 6 weeks of interventions. Results: The study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the score of KOOS and CKRS in both the groups A and B (p < 0.05).However, the comparison between the two groups showed no statistical significance in the difference in improvement of mean values of KOOS and CKRS (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study investigated the effectiveness of Isoinertial Eccentric Strength Training with Conventional Rehabilitation Protocolcompared to Conventional Rehabilitation Protocol alone for improving knee-related quality of life and function over a six-week period. While both protocols demonstrated effectiveness, neither proved superior to the other.