The Effect of Neuromuscular Exercise in the Late Period After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery on Landing Error Scoring System, Isokinetic Knee Strength, and Knee Functions

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuromuscular exercise program on knee functions in the late period after the surgery and to develop a new injury prevention exercise program. The participants were evaluated twice before and after the protocol and between the tests they were subjected to a neuromuscular exercise program for a total of 6 weeks and 18 sessions. The Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were completed in a face-to-face environment, Landing Error Scoring System test, knee strength, and active/passive proprioception tests with isokinetic dynamometer, vertical jump height, lower extremity Y balance test, single-leg and crossover hop distance measurements were performed before and after the protocol. The study was completed with 19 male participants aged 18 to 50 who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (9-48 months' postoperative). The mean body mass index 25.18 ± 2.33 kg/m², postoperative time 22 (13-42) months, time from injury to operation 7 (2-24) months, postoperative professional rehabilitation time 41.05 ± 25.30 days, and Tegner Activity Scale score 5.32 ± 1.2. Postprotocol measurements demonstrated significantly better results than preprotocol values in all parameters, except for the knee flexion-to-extension strength ratio. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the neuromuscular exercise protocol applied for 6 weeks in the late period after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions is a method that can be used to adapt the parameters examined in the study. It should be considered as a viable rehabilitation program, particularly for individuals who fail to meet Room Temperature and Pressure criteria even 9 months after surgery.