Assessing Gait Adaptation to Prehabilitation in ACL-Injured Patients Using Kinematic and Kinetic Analyses

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee and ACL rupture often necessitates surgical intervention and rehabilitation. This pilot study investigated the immediate impact of a single prehabilitation physiotherapy session on gait patterns in a 25-year-old male with a right knee ACL injury. Utilizing inertial measurement units (IMUs) and force plates (FPs), kinematic and kinetic data were collected pre- and post-therapy. The results demonstrated significant improvements in gait symmetry and stability post-therapy, with a marked reduction in knee angle variability. A notable decrease in mediolateral force on the uninjured leg was also observed, indicating enhanced balance and reduced compensatory movements. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating prehabilitation physiotherapy to optimize knee function and gait stability in ACL injury patients.