Abstract
Background and Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are common in athletes. Although mechanical stability through surgery is often suggested, this procedure is not adequate for regaining normal knee function. Therefore, perturbation training as a part of neuromuscular training is recommended. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of modified perturbation training protocol on lower extremity function in these patients.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 10 men with anterior cruciate ligament tear in the range of 18-45 years were treated with 10 sessions of modified perturbation training protocol. The effect of training on lower extremity function was evaluated through Subjective IKDC questionnaire, Cross Hop functional test and Isokinetic knee extensor and flexor peak torques and their ratio in 60 and 180 degree per second constant velocities.
Results: After training, Subjective IKDC, Cross Hop test and concentric extensor torque (in 60 degree per second velocity) scores were significantly increased in injured leg (P<0.05) (The mean scores of Cross Hop test before and after training were 410.90 and 534.33 cm respectively, the mean scores of IKDC questionnaire before and after training were 64.59% and 79.43% respectively and the mean of values of concentric extensor torque in 60 degree per second velocity in injured leg were 108.81 and 136.92 Newton/Meter respectively). There were no significant differences in other torque values. Before training, torque ratios were significantly higher in injured leg but after training, there were no significant differences in both legs.
Conclusion: The modified perturbation training protocol may improve lower extremity function in athletes via increasing neuromuscular coordination and accelerate their returning to sport activities.