An Assessment of Rehabilitation Protocols following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

The present study provided a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving the effectiveness of various rehabilitation methods that have been implemented for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The review of the literature revealed the following as evidence for effective ACLR rehabilitation: early intervention strategy focused on restoring range of motion, muscle strength, and ligament stability with the utilization of closed kinetic chain exercises. The literature supports the use of dynamic intraligamentary stabilization, which should also be implemented in the rehabilitation protocol within the first three months after surgery. The research suggests that the patient should undergo at least 30-90 minutes of cryotherapy immediately following ACLR surgery. There is also some evidence regarding the effectiveness of neuromuscular rehabilitation training programs, but further investigations are needed. Future research should consider the timing of rehabilitation as well as supplemental rehabilitation exercises to continue to improve the quality of care delivered to patients following ACLR.