APPLICATION OF ANALYTICAL EXERCISES AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION FOR STATIC, DYNAMIC BALANCE AND POSTURAL CONTROL IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Purpose: to assess the recovery of static, dynamic balance and postural control while overcoming muscle imbalance after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by applying analytical exercises. Material and methods: Material: 15 men (mean age 25.16) were observed in the span of 14 weeks (three and a half months) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. They underwent physiotherapy, including analytical kinetic chain exercises in hospital, ambulatory and at home conditions. Research, measurement, and evaluation methods include range of motion in the knee joint, manual muscle testing (MMT), static and dynamic balance tests, and postural control tests. Statistical methods include statistical data grouping, Cronbach’s test, descriptive method, testing of statistical hypotheses, and correlation analysis. The data was processed with SPSS v.24.0 for Windows. Results: The results show a change in the static postural control with a 1/4-point deviation from the standard. This requires the inclusion of additional sensorimotor exercises in combination with other specific and general strengthening exercises. Conclusion: From the performed observation and the obtained results, compared to those of 20 healthy men, the following conclusion has been drawn: the analytical exercises for lower extremities lead to the overcoming of dysfunction and increased stability in the extremities. The physiotherapy programme should include sensory stimulation exercises tailored for strengthening the weakened muscles and should contribute to the overcoming of muscle imbalance.