Effects of Continuous Passive Movement versus Intermittent Compression in Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament  Reconstruction Surgery

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery remains a prevalent and debilitating condition, despite invasive and non-invasive approaches aimed at reducing pain and improving function. Objective: To investigate the effects of continuous passive motion and intermittent compression therapy after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Methodology: This single-blinded study was a randomised controlled trial that recruited a sample of 50, and data were collected from Shalimar Hospital, Lahore, for 10 months. Inclusion criteria designated as patients were diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon and patients who have undergone reconstruction surgery, both male and female, patients who are within the 4th week post-operatively, aged between 20-50 years. Exclusion criteria include concomitant injuries, previous knee surgery, including ACL reconstruction, neurological or cardiovascular disease, or patients with allergies to the materials used in these devices. Group A was treated with continuous passive motion, and Group B was treated with intermittent compression for 30-45 minutes for 8 weeks. Paired sample t-test for within-group analysis and independent t-test for between-group analysis. Results: The mean score of the visual analogue scale pre-value was 7.58±1.7, post-value 2.52±1.3, continuous passive motion group. The mean visual analogue scale of the intermittent compression group pre-value was 6.50±1.33, post-value 4.85±1.3. KOOS of continuous passive motion pre-value 27.32±12.3, post-value 76.68±9.12. KOOS of intermittent compression pre-value 37.20 ±9.4, post-value 63.92±11.5. Range of motion pre value 35.64± 7.98 flexion, -8.04±1.59 extension, post-value 116.7±10, -2.28±1.4, flexion, extension respectively. The range of motion of intermittent compression pre-value 29.4±6.8 flexion, 6.16±1.02 extension, post value 91.68±8.10 flexion, -4.88±1.33 extension. Conclusion: The continuous passive movement group and intermittent compression group both are effective, but the former shows greater improvement in pain reduction, knee functional ability, and joint range of motion.