The effect of progressive eccentric and concentric training on functional performance after autogenous hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled study

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the functional results of an early onset progressive eccentric and concentric training in patients with autogen hamstring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)reconstruction. Methods: Thirty-three patients with autogenous hamstring ACL reconstruction were randomly divided into study (n=16, mean age; 33.87±8.19) and control (n=17, mean age; 32.64±8.21) groups and followed the same ACL rehabilitation program. Additionally, the study group followed a progressive eccentric and concentric training for 12 weeks on the Monitorized Functional Squat System (MFSS) beginning 3 weeks after surgery. The groups were compared according to the isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors, functional performance (the vertical jump test, a single hop for distance test) and the Lysholm knee scale, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACL-QOL), before and 16 weeks after the surgery. Results: The functional outcomes in terms of the vertical jump test (p=0.012), a single hop-for-distance test (p=0.027), the Lysholm knee scale (p=0.002) and the ACL-QOL questionnaire (p=0.000) demonstrated significantly greater improvement in the study group. No significant difference was reported between groups for isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors (p 0.05). Conclusion: Adding progressive eccentric and concentric exercises to the standard rehabilitation protocol may improve the functional results after ACL reconstruction with autogen hamstring grafts.