Background & Aims: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common unnecessary injuries among people, especially athletes. Anterior cruciate ligament injury can lead to serious impairments in knee function and even motor disability. Studies show that strength training can significantly improve range of motion and proprioception in people with anterior cruciate ligament. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of extensive strength training on range of motion and proprioception in people with ACL. The cruciate ligament is one of the two important cross-ligaments in the knee joint and has a particularly significant impact on the stability and function of this joint. There are two main types of cruciate ligaments in the knee joint: Anterior cruciate ligament: This ligament is located in the front of the knee joint and is responsible for providing stability and controlling the anterior and lateral movements of the knee (1).
The structure of the anterior cruciate ligament is a group of cord ligaments and consists of collagen fibers. This ligament is divided into two groups: anterior-lateral and posterior-medial. The anterior-lateral group plays a role in the rotational stability of the knee. (2).
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four ligaments that support the knee joint and is one of the most important ligaments in the knee joint. This ligament prevents the foot from moving constructively during movement and keeps the knee joint in place (3). Any damage to this ligament can lead to serious disorders in the function of the knee joint and even disability; therefore, if people with anterior cruciate ligament injury need surgery or have had this surgery, their reconstruction and rehabilitation process will be very important (4). Common symptoms of anterior cruciate ligament injury include pain, swelling, and lack of strength in the knee joint. This type of injury is very common in sports that require a lot of acceleration, such as football, basketball, and volleyball (5). In fact, this type of injury is probably one of the most common knee injuries in athletes (6).
In light of this, this study aimed to investigate the effect of hip strength training on improving range of motion and proprioception in individuals with complete anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. ACL reconstruction is a complex process that requires strengthening exercises. (4).
. The force generated by the theraband is directly proportional to the increase in the length of the theraband. Each color of the theraband shows a specific resistance at a specific percentage of length. Given the characteristics of the therabands, it can be effective in preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee. These exercises can strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities and create proprioceptive stimulation to improve coordination and balance in the planes of motion during landing. They can also help stabilize the knee joint, which is also one of the effective factors in preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries. These types of exercises basically use a combination of strength and speed to produce power. By engaging a larger number of muscle fibers due to the activation of muscle spindles and the use of the elastic or stretchy property of the muscles, various functional adaptations are created in the muscles, which results in better and more coordinated muscle performance (coordination in the use of muscles) and greater explosive power in practice (7).
In a study, Acida introduced the Theraband as a useful tool for increasing strength, mobility, and performance and reducing joint pain. Therabands are resistance bands that are made from natural elastic materials in sheet form and their colors indicate resistance levels. People use different colors based on their ability and strength. These Therabands can strengthen all muscle groups in resistance training using a piece of tube or elastic and also save on the cost and space that bodybuilding machines require. As the band is stretched, its resistance increases, providing an incremental stimulus for muscle strength (8).
Krishna et al. have studied the effects of the Theraband. The study found that Theraband training is an effective method that coaches use to improve speed and explosive performance in athletes. By activating a large number of muscle fibers and using the elastic or stretchy properties of the muscles, these exercises produce a variety of functional changes in the muscles, leading to better and more coordinated muscle function (coordination in the use of muscles) and increased explosive power in the exercise. The American Physical Therapy Association introduced Theraband stretching 25 years ago as a useful tool for increasing strength, mobility, and function and reducing joint pain. When a resistance band is stretched, its resistance increases. This resistance is an additional stimulus for building muscle strength, engaging one or more joints at a time, making movements more effective and practical.
Methods: In this study, 30 volunteers with ACL were selected purposefully and randomly divided into two experimental groups (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The experimental group performed strength and rehabilitation exercises three times a week for 8 weeks, each session lasting 60 minutes. In two groups of subjects, knee and hip flexion range of motion was measured and recorded with a goniometer and depth sensory examination before and after the start of 8 weeks of training. In order to analyze the data, analysis of variance with repeated measures at a significance level of p ≥ 0.05 was used using SPSS version 24 software.
Results: The findings of the study showed that after a week of strength training, a significant improvement in the reduction of the knee and hip flexion range of motion in people with ACL occurred, and the Theraband tape, by activating muscle fibers and using elastic or stretchy properties, changes various functions. In creating a result that can be better and more coordinated.
Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, it seems that a strength training and rehabilitation program in people with ACL can be effective in the recovery process and the amount of range of motion and depth sensory of people. Rehabilitation can improve knee flexion, extensor strength, extensor endurance, anaesthetic range of motion, 30-degree position sense, and comparison compared to aerodynamic resistance training. The present study shows that eight weeks of strength training has positive effects on range of motion and proprioception in individuals with ACL. These exercises significantly reduce knee valgus, increase deep flexion of the knee, and improve proprioception.