MUSCLE STRENGTH RECOVERY AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a leading cause of injury among athletes. Achieving full recovery of muscle strength remains a challenge, particularly for professional athletes. Re–rupture of the ligament is often associated with insufficient muscle strength restoration. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a kinesitherapy methodology designed to support muscle strength recovery following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Material/ Methods: The study included 10 participants who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. After regaining joint range of motion, participants engaged in a daily exercise program conducted in a gym setting. The progression of muscle recovery was assessed through monthly anthropometric measurements. Hip circumference was measured using a tape measure, and subcutaneous fat was assessed with a skinfold caliper. The data from the affected leg was compared with that of the healthy limb at three standardized levels. Results: The analysis revealed a consistent decrease in the differences between the affected and healthy limbs in both hip circumference and skinfold thickness at all three measured levels. A noticeable increase in subcutaneous fat was observed only at the second measurement level (20-22 cm), based on caliper data. These findings indicate a trend toward symmetry in muscle volume recovery during the kinesitherapy protocol. Conclusions: Muscle strength recovery following ACL reconstruction is a prolonged and complex process. The proposed kinesitherapeutic approach contributed to progressive normalization of anthropometric parameters in the affected limb. Sharing this methodology may help clinicians plan effective rehabilitation strategies and reduce the risk of re–injury.