ACLR Rehab - KISS principle.
I recently discovered this brilliant paper by Bieler et al (2014) that shows how 3 simple exercises (when trained heavy, yet sensibly) can have a significantly positive impact on the return of quadriceps strength and power following ACL reconstruction.
After 8 weeks post-op, the ACLR patients (50/50 mix of both hamstrings and BPTB grafts) simply added in leg press, hamstring curls and knee extensions 2x per week for 12 weeks.
Yes, knee extensions. And not just half ROM either. Full ROM knee extensions. With load.
And the authors found that after 12 weeks, compared to the other group that did low intensity resistance training (2x20 reps per exercise, 2x per week for 12 weeks) that the heavy group was able to return quads power back to 97% of pre-op levels (compared to 83% in low intensity group) and that there was no difference between groups in knee laxity on KT-2000 testing.
Take home message: Under-loading and insufficient loading is a problem in ACLR rehab and no doubt contributes to poor outcomes with our patients. Studies like this should give us the confidence to train a bit harder, and smarter, to get the best outcomes for our patients and athletes
What do you make of this program, these results and findings?
Let us know in comments section below.
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