Effectiveness of Preoperative Home Physiotherapy in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury frequently compromises knee stability and function. Preoperative physiotherapy has been shown to improve surgical outcomes by enhancing periarticular muscle strength, mobility, and recovery. However, many existing protocols require exercise equipment and frequent supervision, limiting feasibility in resource-constrained settings. To date, no study has evaluated a simplified, equipment-free home-based physiotherapy program for chronic ACL deficiency. This prospective study assessed the effectiveness of a structured home-based physiotherapy program on 27 (male) patients with ACL deficiency awaiting reconstruction. The program focused on quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, range of motion, and proprioceptive training. Clinical outcomes were measured using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and knee range of motion at baseline and upon program completion. Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in quadriceps strength, IKDC and Lysholm scores, and range of motion compared with baseline (p < 0.05), along with reduced pain and improved knee stability. Adherence was high, and the program was well tolerated. These findings suggest that a structured, equipment-free home-based physiotherapy program is effective in improving function, strength, and mobility in patients with ACL-deficient knees. Incorporating such programs preoperatively may facilitate enhanced postoperative recovery and long-term knee function.