Effects of isokinetic resistance training in the rehabilitation of chronic grade 3 anterior cruciate ligament deficiency
Zulezwan AB MALIK 1, Shahrulazua AHMAD 2, Chen CHEE KEONG 3, Mohd Imran YUSOF 4, Jamaayah MEOR OSMAN 5
1 Department of Science Coaching, Faculty of Sport Science and Coaching, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim, Perak, 2 Sports Injury Unit, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 3 Sports Science Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 4 Orthopaedic Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Introduction: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks concentric-type isokinetic resistance training using two different angular velocities (120°/s and 240°/s) on isokinetic knee strength and functional ability of patients with chronic (more than three months post-trauma) grade 3 anterior cruciate ligament deficiencies. Materials and Methods: Nineteen male patients were included in the study. They were randomly assigned into three groups: control, 120°/s group and 240°/s group. The 120°/s intervention group (mean age: 36.8 ± 7.9 years) and 240°/s intervention group (mean age: 33.0 ± 11.4 years) participated in the prescribed training programme along with their existing conventional physiotherapy which were carried out twice a week. The control group (mean age: 33.5 ± 6.8 years) continued with their conventional physiotherapy only. Results: In all the groups, there was a significant improvement (p<0.05) in: (i) isokinetic peak torque after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of training periods; (ii) the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee scores after 12 weeks of training. Although not statistically significant, a trend of an increased knee peak torque and functional outcome was observed in the intervention groups when compared to the control group, with the 120°/s and 240°/s group showing the highest improvement in the isokinetic knee extension strength and knee flexion strength, respectively. Conclusions: Knee strength and physical functions improved in all three groups after 12 weeks of training, independently of the treatment applied. Rehabilitation is essential in the management of the chronic grade 3 anterior cruciate ligament deficient patients.
Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, exercise therapy, isokinetic, rehabilitation, treatment outcome
Correspondence author: Shahrulazua AHMAD
Sports Injury Unit, Depart. of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: +60391456005 E mail: drshahahmad@hotmail.com
Brunei Int Med J. 2014; 10 (5): 262-269