Effect of proprioceptive training and resistive training on functional status of knee among athletes with anterior cruciate ligament Injury

Abstract

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represent one of the most frequent and functionally limiting conditions affecting athletes. Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, rehabilitation is essential to restore optimal knee function by addressing postoperative joint mobility, muscle strength deficits and neuromuscular control impairments. Rehabilitation strategies such as proprioceptive training and resistive training have shown promise in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, but their comparative effectiveness remains underexplored. Aims and Objectives: To compare and evaluate the effects of proprioceptive training and resistive training to improve functions of knee in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament injury or post-reconstruction. Methodology: Thirty athletes aged between 18 - 45 years with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A received proprioceptive training and Group B received resistive training, over 12 weeks of intervention period. Outcomes were measured using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS) to measure functional status of knee. Pre- and post-test scores were analyzed within and between groups using paired and unpaired t-test. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKSS) scores post-intervention (p<0.05). However, Group A (proprioceptive training) demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to Group B (resistive training). The mean improvement in Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKSS) was 32.99 in Group A versus 28.13 in Group B. Conclusion: Proprioceptive training was more effective than resistive training in improving knee strength, mobility and overall functional activities in athletes with or without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.