Effects of Lumbar Core Stability Exercise Programme on Knee Pain, Range of Motion, and Function Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose: To study the additional effects of lumbar core stability on knee pain, range of motion and function post ACL reconstruction. Methods: An experimental comparative study was undertaken at a tertiary orthopaedic and rehabilitation centre with a total of 60 patients with ACL reconstruction, randomly allotted into two groups. Both groups were given institutional rehabilitation protocol; and additional lumbar core stability exercise programme was given to experimental group. Intervention period was 4 weeks. Pain on VAS, range of motion (ROM) and function using Modified Lysholm Scoring Scale (MLSS) and Tegner Activity Level (TAL) were the outcome measures. Results: Between group analyses of MLSS and TAL by Mann Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.038) and statistically non-significant difference (p = 1.00), respectively. Conclusion: Institutional conventional exercise protocol is effective in reducing pain and improving the ROM post and lumbar core stability exercise programme is effective in improving function, post ACL reconstruction.

Keywords

• ACL reconstruction
• core stability
• function
• rehabilitation