The Effect of Physiotherapy on Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition After ACL Injury or Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
2024

Physiotherapy's Impact on Muscle Recovery After ACL Injury

Sample size: 20 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Paço Maria, Peysson Maxence, Dumont Elona, Correia Mário, Quialheiro Anna, Chaves Paula

Primary Institution: CESPU, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte, Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal

Hypothesis

What are the effects of non-invasive physiotherapy interventions on arthrogenic muscle inhibition in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament injury or post-reconstruction surgery?

Conclusion

Structured exercise should be the first-line intervention for rehabilitation after ACL injury, but combining it with other therapies enhances recovery.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fifteen studies showed significant improvement in muscle strength with structured exercise.
  • Seven studies indicated that neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise improved outcomes.
  • Motor imagery and cryotherapy improved muscle recovery when performed before exercise.

Takeaway

This study shows that doing exercises is really important for getting better after a knee injury, and mixing in other treatments can help even more.

Methodology

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, including randomized controlled trials that evaluated physiotherapy interventions for ACL injuries.

Potential Biases

Moderate-to-low risk of bias was identified across the studies.

Limitations

The review may have publication bias and did not include studies with patients diagnosed with arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) prior to inclusion.

Participant Demographics

Participants included individuals with ACL injuries or reconstruction, with a prevalence of AMI noted in the population.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/life14121586

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