Drivers of Successful Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Program following ACL Reconstruction: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The speedy and effective return to performing activity of daily living or return to sports following an ACL reconstruction is one of the key challenges for a physical therapist in a clinical setup. Literature evidences state that drivers of a successful rehabilitation program can depend on a number of variable factors where large differences in clinical and outpatient protocols have been observed with limited consensus been formed. A range of factors including the surgery timing, choice of graft and above all the rehabilitation protocol with numerous PT interventions can influence the outcome significantly. The articular cartilage, joint capsule, menisci, and ligaments are some of the connective tissues of the knee joint involved in knee injury. Among the people of younger age group 20 years to 39 years the ACL injury has the highest prevalence. An untreated ACL tear causes knee instability, making it difficult for the affected person to return to sports. The duration and exercises used in different protocols vary significantly; hence, a review was conducted to identify the most effective techniques used by therapists to treat athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction. An extensive literature search was conducted using Cochrane, Embase, Pedro, MEDLINE, and Saudi Digital Library to identify relevant articles published in English from January 2010 to June 2022. Most athletes underwent reconstruction surgery to improve their knee function. The current review helped us to know the various treatment strategies used for the clients who are under rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction surgery. The evidences support patient education, bracing, cryotherapy, Gait training, balance re-education, joint mobilization exercises and strength training exercises. All these interventions help the athletes to regain their functional mobility and support active participation in sports.