The Role of Proprioception in the Human Motion Mechanism and Its Recovery After Rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus of the Knee Joint

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the degree of impairment and further recovery of proprioception after combined injury and rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of the knee joint. Materials and methods.A total of 75 athletes with a combined injury of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus were examined; they were aged 20 to 35 years and had no previous knee injuries. The average period from the time of injury to surgery was 2.5 ± 0.5 years. Standard methods of examination, treatment and rehabilitation were supplemented by balance training that was carried out from week 5 after surgery (static balance exercises from week 5 and dynamic balance exercises from week 9) on a firm and unstable support, as well as with optional sports equipment. Active and passive abduction of the extremity for different flexion angles of the knee and with the task to reproduce the abduction position was used as an evaluation test. Results.The study results showed that the proprioception after combined injury of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of the knee joint has worse indicators on the injured extremity, i.e., the unilateral influence of trauma on the state of motion sensitivity, but these indicators significantly improve with targeted balance training, and imbalance between the extremities becomes minimal. Conclusions.The position reproduction test (the study of the accuracy of extremity bending to a certain angle) is a reliable rehabilitation effectiveness criterion in athletes with a combined injury of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.

The most important aspects in the rehabilitation of semiprofessional athletes after an anterior cruciate ligament injury: to operate or not?

“…Особое внимание стоит обратить на тренировки с использованием балансировочных систем по типу полусфер и пенных подушек, применение которых обосновано только на начальном и промежуточном этапе реабилитации, так как они применяются только для восстановления проприоцептивного чувства, переобучения использованию конечности после травмы и для придания пациенту уверенности в безопасности функции коленного сустава [34]. Дальнейшее их применение не имеет никакой корреляционной связи с переносом таких тренировок на соревновательную деятельность, например при выполнении специфических упражнений в конкретном виде спорта, что обусловливает исключение таких занятий из тренировочной программы на этапе возврата в спорт.…”