Early Application of Negative Work via Eccentric Ergometry Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Report

• DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2006.2197
• Publication Date: 2006-08-31T18:52:06Z
• Authors: J. Parry Gerber; Robin L. Marcus; Leland E. Dibble; Patrick E. Greis; Paul C. LaStayo
• Keywords: Return to Sport; Sports medicine

Case report.To present a progressively increasing negative-work exercise program via eccentric ergometry early after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) and to suggest the potential of negative work amplify return quadriceps size strength.The patient was 26-year-old highly active recreational athlete who sustained an ACL tear while skiing in January 2004 then again February 2005. This individual underwent arthroscopically assisted ACL-R with double-loop semitendinosusgracilis autograft initially, patellar tendon following his graft rupture. Beginning within 3 weeks surgery, progressive initiated using ergometer. The completed 31 training sessions 5 30 minutes duration over 12-week period 33 same frequency revision.Following ACL-R, volume increased 28% (involved lower extremity) 14% (uninvolved during program. Following revision, returned similar levels at postoperative as those achieved initial surgery (2% less on involved side 2% greater uninvolved side). Quadriceps strength, 15 exceeded preoperative measures by average 20% (involved) (uninvolved). strength revision all previous measures.This case report suggests that if gradually applied, can be both safe efficacious ACL-R. Eccentric may mitigate prevalent muscle deficits commonly observed results this need for continued research interventions