Progressive strength training restores quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength within 7 months after ACL reconstruction in amateur male soccer players

Abstract

Objectives:The purpose of the current study was to compare the results of a progressive strengthtraining protocol for soccer players after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with healthycontrols, and to investigate the effects of the strength training protocol on peak quadriceps andhamstring muscle strength.Design:Between subjects design.Setting:Outpatient physical therapy facility.Participants:Thirty-eight amateur male soccer players after ACLR were included. Thirty age-matchedamateur male soccer players served as control group.Main outcome measures:Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength was measured at three time pointsduring the rehabilitation. Limb symmetry index (LSI)>90% was used as cut-off criteria.Results:Soccer players after ACLR had no significant differences in peak quadriceps and hamstringmuscle strength in the injured leg at 7 months after ACLR compared to the dominant leg of the controlgroup. Furthermore, 65.8% of soccer players after ACLR passed LSI>90% at 10 months for quadricepsmuscle strength.Conclusion:Amateur male soccer players after ACLR can achieve similar quadriceps and hamstringmuscle strength at 7 months compared to healthy controls. Thesefindings highlight the potential ofprogressive strength training in rehabilitation after ACLR that may mitigate commonly reported strengthdeficits