[Purpose] After an anterior cruciate ligament injury and subsequent reconstruction,
quadriceps muscle weakness and disruption of proprioceptive function are common. The
purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4 weeks preoperative exercise
intervention on knee strength power and function post-surgery. [Subjects and Methods]
Eighty male patients (27.8±5.7 age), scheduled for reconstruction surgery, were randomly
assigned to two groups, the preoperative exercise group (n=40) and a no preoperative
exercise group (n=40). The preoperative exercise group participated in a 4-week
preoperative and 12-week post-operative programs, while the no preoperative exercise group
participated only in the 12-week postoperative exercise program. Isokinetic measured of
quadriceps strength were obtained at 4 weeks before and 3 months after surgery. [Results]
The knee extensor strength deficits measured at 60°/s and 180°/s was significantly lower
in the preoperative exercise group compared with the no preoperative exercise group. At 3
months after surgery, the extensor strength deficit was 28.5±9.0% at 60°/sec and 23.3±9.0%
at 180°/sec in the preoperative exercise group, whereas the no preoperative exercise group
showed extensor strength deficits of 36.5±10.7% and 27.9±12.6% at 60°/sec and 180°/sec,
respectively. The preoperative exercise group demonstrated significant improvement the
single-leg hop distance. [Conclusion] Four week preoperative exercise may produce many
positive effects post reconstruction surgery, including faster recovery of knee extensor
strength and function, as measured by single-leg hop ability.