Eitzen et al. A progressive 5-week exercise therapy program leads to significant improvement in knee function early after anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Eitzen I, Moksnes H, Snyder-Mackler L, Risberg MA. A progressive 5-week exercise therapy program leads to significant improvement in knee function early after anterior cruciate ligament injury. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(11):705–721. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3345

KEY POINTS

FINDINGS A 5-week progressive exercise therapy program in the early stage after ACL injury led to significantly improved knee function before the decision making for reconstructive surgery or further nonoperative management.

IMPLICATION Short-term progressive exercise therapy programs should be incorporated in the early stage after ACL injury, to optimize knee function before ACLR or as a first step in the preparation to return to previous activity without surgery.

CAUTION The participants in this study had an ACL tear with no symptomatic concomitant injuries; therefore, results cannot be generalized to all patients with ACL injury. The results of this study are further dependent on motivated patient with high compliance to the exercises program