A short term study for core stabilization as post operative protocol in post operated anterior cruciate ligament and its outcome

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of the study was to assess the role of core stability exercises post op protocol for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed cases.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Out of 100 only selected were<strong> </strong>ninety-two male athletes who got ACL reconstruction with anatomical positioning of tunnels and adequate graft were enrolled in the study that was conducted between 2017 January to 2019 February. The enrolled were divided into two groups based on random number sequence i.e. group A (conventional rehabilitation; n=46) and group B (core stabilization and conventional rehabilitation; n=46). Assessment was done at 6 months, 9 months and 12 months for assessing the functional outcome by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, triple hop test, single leg hop test and knee laxity (KT-1000) test.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> At the end of study it was observed that scores of IKDC was higher in group B as compared to group A (p<0.005). Similarly, single and triple hop test jump distances were more in group B as compared to group A (p<0.05). In group A, 24 out of 43 sports persons returned to sports as compared to group B, where 35 out of 45 patients returned to sports (p value=0.02). There was no difference in KT-1000 score between two groups.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Addition of core stability exercises in the ACL rehabilitation program improves the functional outcome and incidence of return to sports. However, core stability exercises have no effect on knee stability.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>