The effect of proprioception training on knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background Proprioception is essential for the normal movement of joint
knees. The degree of functional recovery after ACL reconstruction is
related with the degree of postoperative recovery of proprioception. The
current study aimed to investigate the effect of proprioception training
on functional level of activity and knee kinematics after anterior
cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods Forty patients who underwent ACL
reconstruction between January 2017 and June 2019 were included. The
patients were divided into proprioception group (n=20) and control group
(n=20). All the patients followed common postoperative rehabilitation
program. The proprioception group were given proprioception enhancement
program besides common postoperative rehabilitation program. All the
patients were assessed preoperatively, 6 months and 1 year after
operation. The lymsolm scores, hop distances, and knee kinematics during
unanticipated jump–cut maneuver were compared at different follow-up time
points. Results There were no significant differences preoperative and
postoperative Lysholm scores between two groups.  After surgery,
the proprioception group showed significantly higher hop distance (133.9 ±
26.2 cm) when compared with the control group (81.2 ± 17.2 cm, P=0.026) in
6-months and one-year follow-up (153.1 ± 19.3 vs 105.8 ± 20.7cm, P=0.034).
For knee joint kinematics, the proprioception training group showed
reduced knee abduction (valgus) angles and external rotations, and
increased knee flexion when compared with the common training group.
Conclusions We conclude that proprioceptive rehabilitation training
enhance the kinematic performance and single leg hop distance in
ACL-reconstructed populations during jump-stop, unanticipated cut
maneuver. The findings will be scientific evidences to help clinicians and
physiotherapists to evaluate the patients’ readiness for exercises and
sports, especially in the cases of loading and extreme rotation
conditions.