Effect of Russian Current Along with Structured Exercises in Improving Knee Range of Motion, Isometric Muscle Strength and Functional Status Following ACL Reconstruction

Abstract : Background: The most common ACL injuries occur during sports and are caused by twisting or pivoting movements. Decreased ROM, along with reduced muscle strength and functional status is more common in individuals with ACL reconstruction. Russian current is an emerging treatment in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Objective: To assess the effect of Russian current along with structured exercise in improving knee function following ACL reconstruction. Methodology: This study included 44 individuals with ACL reconstructions, through random allocation they were divided into Group A (n=22) who received structured exercise alone and Group B (n=22) who received Russian current along with structured exercise over 6 weeks. The knee range of motion, isometric muscle strength and function were assessed by universal goniometer, hand held dynamometer, lysholm knee scores respectively. The assessment was performed 6 weeks after treatment. Result: Between group comparison was analyzed using unpaired t-test, showed statistically significant (p<0.00) improvement in Knee flexion (t=29.41) & extension range(t=2,08), isometric quadriceps (t=10.04) and hamstring muscle strength (t=17.81) and functional status (t=13.74) in group which received russian current and structured exercises compared to structured exercises alone. Conclusion: The finding suggest that Russian current along with structured exercise significantly improved knee ROM, muscle strength and functional status in individual with ACL reconstruction than structured exercise alone.