Effect of Progressive Balance Training on Lower Limb Recovery after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction plus Meniscus Repair: A Prospective Study

We aimed to evaluate the effect of progressive balance training on lower limb recovery following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction plus meniscus repair. A total of 106 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction plus meniscal repair between March 2022 and March 2024 were recruited and assigned into a control group (<i>n</i> = 53, non-individualized rehabilitation training) and a study group (<i>n</i> = 53, progressive balance training) using a random number table. The indicators related to knee joint proprioception, knee joint function, and lower limb motor function were compared before intervention and after 12 weeks of intervention. After 12 weeks of intervention, the active range of motion and Lysholm scores of the knee joint rose in both groups compared with those before intervention, and they were higher in the study group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). After 8 and 12 weeks of intervention, the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial reach distances were longer in the study group than in the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, the Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity scores, Holden walking function scores, and 10-m walk test speed all increased in both groups compared with those before intervention, especially in the study group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Progressive balance training leads to clinically meaningful improvements in knee joint proprioception and lower limb balance function in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction plus meniscal repair. The observed increase in Lysholm scores exceeds the established minimal clinically important difference threshold of 25 points, indicating significant functional gains. The improvements in Y-balance test performance suggest a reduced risk of injury.