Objective: To assess the effects of adding a whole-body vibration protocol at optimal frequency (WBV-OF) to a traditional rehabilitation programme (TRP) early after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, on maximal strength and balance, in comparison with a traditional rehabilitation programme.
Design: A total of 34 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients with hamstring-tendon graft underwent either 4 weeks of WBV-OF training in addition to a traditional rehabilitation programme, or a traditional rehabilitation programme only, starting from the first month after surgery. Patients were assessed for maximal voluntary isometric strength during both knee extension and flexion and for balance on a force platform before, 1 month after treatment and at 3-month follow-up.
Results: Strength symmetry of the knee flexor muscles improved in WBV-OF+TRP patients more than in TRP patients 1 month after treatment (mean 66% (standard deviation (SD) 15) vs 58% SD 13), and also at the 3-month follow-up (mean 77% (SD 15) vs 64% (SD 15)), with no differences in balance improvements between the groups.
Conclusions: Adding 4-weeks of WBV-OF to a traditional rehabilitation programme 1 month after surgery is effective in improving muscle strength of the knee flexor muscles. This early intervention may be incorporated into current rehabilitation to facilitate early strength recovery of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients.