Randomised controlled trials dealing with the impact of WBV therapy on neuromuscular control after ACL reconstruction are scarce.

To assess the effects of adding an early whole-body-vibration protocol at optimal frequency (WBV-OF), to a traditional rehabilitation programme (TRP), in comparison with a TRP, on maximal strength and balance, after ACL reconstruction.

Thirty-four ACL reconstructed patients with hamstring-tendon graft underwent either 4 weeks of WBV-OF training in addition to a TRP, or to a TRP only, starting from the first month after surgery. Patients were assessed for maximal voluntary isometric strength during both knee extension and flexion and for balance on a force platform before, 1 month after treatment and at 3-month follow-up.

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Abstract P-24 Figure 1

Strength symmetry of the knee extensor (a) and flexor (b) muscles

Strength symmetry of the knee flexor muscles (Figure 1) improved in WBV-OF+TRP patients more than in TRP patients 1 month after treatment (66 ± 15% vs 58 ± 13%), which was maintained also at the 3-month follow up (77 ± 15% vs 64 ± 15%), with no differences in balance improvements between the two groups after treatment (Figure 2).

Adding 4-weeks of WBV-OF to a TRP 1 month after surgery is effective in improving muscle strength of the knee flexor muscles. This early intervention may be incorporated into current rehabilitation to facilitate early strength recovery of ACL reconstructed patients

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Abstract P-24 Figure 2

Differences in balance with open eyes (a), closed eyes (b)

References

1. Rittweger J. Vibration as an exercise modality: howitmay work, and what its potential might be. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010 Mar:(108):877–904.

2. Ritzmann R, Kramer A, Bernhardt S, Gollhofer A. Whole body vibration training-improving balance control and muscle endurance. PLoS One 2014 Feb: (26):e89905.

3. Giombini A, Macaluso A, Laudani L, Di Cesare A, Piccinini A, Pigozzi F, Saraceni VM. Acute effect of whole-body vibration at optimal frequency on muscle power output of the lower limbs in older women. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2013 Sep:(92):797–804.