Conclusion
A progressive rehabilitation program conducted within a mean time frame of 5 weeks, with emphasis on heavy resistance strength training and challenging neuromuscular exercises, led to significantly improved knee function in the early stage after ACL injury. It is, therefore, suggested to incorporate a short-term period of intensive exercise in ACL injury management, either before scheduled ACLR, (reconstruction) or as a preparation for further nonoperative management before returning to preinjury activity without surgery.
Findings
A 5-week progressive exercise therapy program in the early stage after ACL injury led to significantly improved knee function before the decision making for reconstructive surgery or further nonoperative management. The compliance to and tolerance for the program was high, with few adverse events.
Implication
Short-term progressive exercise therapy programs should be incorporated in the early stage after ACL injury, to optimize knee function before ACLR or as a first step in the preparation to return to previous activity without surgery.
Caution
The participants in this study had an ACL tear with no symptomatic concomitant injuries; therefore, results cannot be generalized to all patients with ACL injury. The results are further dependent on motivated patients with high compliance to the exercise therapy program.
