The Effects of a 12-Week Rehabilitation Program on Knee Joint Muscle Function in Soccer Players After ACL and PCL Reconstruction

This study aimed to investigate how a 12-week rehabilitation exercise program affects knee joint muscle function in football players with combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. Four male football players who had undergone ACL and PCL reconstruction participated in the study. After 4 weeks of wearing a knee brace, the participants began rehabilitation once their knee flexion had sufficiently recovered. The program consisted of 12 weeks of rehabilitation, conducted twice a week for 60 minutes per session. Peak torque was measured at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec for both the involved (injured) and uninvolved (healthy) legs, with pre- and post-program measurements compared. Results showed significant improvements in peak torque for both legs at both angular velocities. All participants exhibited positive changes in knee muscle function, with notable increases in peak torque for the injured leg, suggesting that rehabilitation not only aids recovery of the injured leg but also improves overall knee function. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation approach due to the complexity of combined ACL and PCL injuries and highlights the importance of individualized rehabilitation strategies to optimize recovery and restore knee joint stability and muscle function in athletes.