Comparison of resistance training and sensorimotor training on motor parameters and clinical function in patients after anterior cruciate ligament surgery

Medical training therapy uses resistance and sensorimotor training for functional recovery in patients after cruciate ligament surgery. It was thus the objective of this study to compare both resistance and sensorimotor training on the reduction of the bilateral strength deficit as well as postural stability, laxity and mobility of patients during outpatient rehabilitation. 28 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament replacement surgery were assigned to two training groups in medical training therapy (5 training units per week, each lasting 60 minutes): Strength training group: N = 14; age: 34.9 +/- 9.1 years; height: 1.78 +/- 0.1 m; weight: 86.0 +/- 11.1 kg, BMI: 27.4 +/- 3.8 kg/m(2); Sensorimotor training group: N = 14; age: 33.7 +/- 8.7 years; height: 1.80 +/- 0.1 m; weight: 80.6 +/- 16.6; BMI: 24.9 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2). At the beginning and at the end of the rehabilitation period, strength, postural stability, ligament laxity, mobility as well as clinical scores were collected for function evaluation. The results exhibited significant reductions in the bilateral strength deficit of the leg extensors and flexors in both groups (p < 0.05). The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) showed significant improvements (p < 0.05). Similarly the clinical functional scores showed significant increases (p < 0.05). Also a significant reduction of the extension deficit and an increase in knee flexion were observed (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes could be observed regarding postural stability and laxity (> 0.05). Neither did the within subject factor of the exercise groups show any significant effect (p > 0.05) in all parameters studied that ranged from -0.88 to 0.54. All in all, the study reveals that both resistance and sensorimotor training lead to a comparable reduction in functional deficits.