Deep oscillation therapy enhances early rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of deep oscillation therapy on early rehabilitation outcomes and inflammatory markers in 60 patients (32.7 ± 6.5 years) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Design: A randomized controlled study was undertaken.

Methods: Patients were randomly allocated into a deep oscillation therapy group (n = 30) receiving a physiotherapy protocol plus deep oscillation therapy, and a control group (n = 30) receiving a physiotherapy protocol alone. Outcomes assessed over 4 weeks included pain (algesimeter), knee circumference (swelling), active range of motion for flexion and extension (goniometer), and biomarkers: C-reactive protein (inflammation) and D-dimer (thromboembolic risk) blood tests.

Results: Results showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher pressure pain threshold (i.e., increased tolerance of pressure-evoked pain), swelling reduction, and improved knee flexion and extension range of motion in the deep oscillation therapy compared with the control group after 2 and 4 weeks. The deep oscillation therapy achieved full extension by week four. Deep oscillation therapy also led to a more dynamic and pronounced decrease in C--reactive protein and D-dimer levels in the deep oscillation therapy compared with the control group (p < 0.01), with the deep oscillation therapy exhibiting significantly lower levels after 2 and 4 weeks. Correlations were observed in the deep oscillation therapy between reduced inflammatory markers and improved mobility and swelling.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that deep oscillation therapy can significantly enhance early rehabilitation outcomes and reduce inflammation in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.