1Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Pune, India.
Address for correspondence: Nilima Bedekar Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India Email: nilimabedekar@yahoo.com
Rehabilitation of Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction involves both open and closed chain exercises. Backward walking is an easy technique and is used in few rehabilitation protocols. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of backward walking post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
30 subjects were randomly allotted into the two groups: experimental group and control group. Pre intervention assessment was done in terms of strength, proprioception and gait parameters (step length, stride length, cadence). The control group received conventional rehabilitation program. Experimental group received backward walking in addition to the conventional rehabilitation program. The intervention was given for 4 weeks. Post intervention assessment was done in terms of strength of quadriceps and hamstrings, proprioception, and gait parameters (step length, stride length, cadence). Strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings was measured by 10 repetition maximum (RM) with the help of weight cuffs. Proprioception at the knee was measured at different angles by active positioning test. Gait parameters were assessed by foot print analysis method.
Within group analysis revealed that there was statistically significant improvement in the 10 RM of quadriceps and hamstrings; proprioception and gait parameters in both experimental and control groups (p <0.05). Between the groups: 10 RM of quadriceps and hamstrings, and gait parameters improved substantially in the experimental group as compared to the control group, but statistically there was no significant difference in the improvement of proprioception with respect to both the groups.
Physiotherapy rehabilitation program post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is effective in the improvement of the strength, proprioception and gait parameters. Inclusion of backward walking in the rehabilitation program results in the better improvements in various parameters.
