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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
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94-109
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1121105677
Publisher:
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Servi
ABSTRACT
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represent a significant challenge for professional athletes due to their intense
physical activities. Intensive physical therapy is an essential part of the rehabilitation program after surgery for cruciate
ligament injuries. This research aims to study the effect of intensive physical therapy on the speed and efficiency of
recovery in professional athletes with cruciate ligament injuries.
We explore how an intensive physical therapy program can improve recovery rates and enhance athletic performance
after injury.
The research will show that intensive physical therapy is an effective tool in treating cruciate ligament injuries, and I
emphasize the importance of including it as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol for athletes.
When this strategy is applied in sports rehabilitation programs, better results and a faster return to sports activity are
achieved.
KEYWORDS
Physical Therapy, Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), athletic performance after injury.
INTRODUCTION
Research Article
THE EFFECT OF INTENSIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY ON THE RECOVERY OF
CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES IN PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
Submission Date:
Aug 05, 2024,
Accepted Date:
Aug 10, 2024,
Published Date:
Aug 15, 2024
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajsshr/Volume04Issue08-07
Ayed Wahid Jabbar
Ministry of Education, Najaf Governorate Education, Iraq
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajsshr
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
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Chapter One
Introduction and the Importance of the Research
This research is one of the modern scientific attempts
to emphasize the importance of intensive physical
therapy on recovery and the impact of various
rehabilitation movements aimed at prevention and
rehabilitation for professionals.
In the world of competitive sports, cruciate ligament
injuries are among the most dangerous injuries that
professional athletes can face.
Intensive physical therapy for athletes: The scientific
field that deals with the treatment of sports injuries,
returning the player to his position and the injured part
to the condition before the injury that he was
practicing and reducing the occurrence of new injuries.
The impact of intensive physical therapy for athletes is
that the doctor and paramedic can now know the
injury and warn him so that he does not get it.
Physiotherapist: A person experienced in medical
sciences, mechanical movement of the div in
addition to the physiology of the div, sports
anatomy, and first aid, and all of these sciences are
based on a foundation and global studies.
The physical therapist must have sufficient information
about the cruciate ligament injury to be able to have a
strong foundation and base in order to treat the
injured person with confidence.
These injuries occur as a result of sudden, forceful
movements that exceed the ligaments' ability to
withstand, such as twisting, incorrect landings, and
jumps.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior
cruciate ligament (PCL) are among the most important
ligaments that support the stability of the knee joint,
and any damage to them can lead to a loss of functional
stability of the knee and a negative impact on athletic
performance (1 ).
Intensive physical therapy has become a mainstay in
the rehabilitation of athletes with these injuries, as it
aims to achieve a complete and rapid recovery that
enables players to return to competition at their best.
This treatment includes a series of exercises and
rehabilitation programs specifically designed to
enhance muscle strength, improve flexibility, and
restore the normal function of the damaged joint.
In this context, the current research aims to explore
the positive effects of intensive physical therapy on the
recovery of cruciate ligament injuries in professional
athletes.
By reviewing the available scientific studies and
analyzing clinical studies, the tangible benefits of this
therapeutic approach will be highlighted, including
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reducing periods of absence from the stadiums,
improving athletic performance, and reducing the risk
of recurrent injuries.
The effect of physical therapy plays an important role
in treating athletes' injuries until they recover:
The therapist is based on knowing the causes, as he
determines the defect in the mechanical relationships
of the div that lead to the injury, and through
exercises and applying them to the injured person, the
player returns to his original function. These exercises
are post-operative.
Moving a lot after the injury or operation does not
benefit the player and does not help him recover
because the injured ligament is due to swelling or scars
resulting from the operation, and the patient feels
severe pain and an inability to move the limb and use it
from the pain.
This is why exercises play a fundamental role in
avoiding this problem, as they start with low intensity,
then we increase the intensity of the exercises to help
move the injured area, and strengthen the surrounding
muscles without too much so that the pain is not felt.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the healing
process. It is actually performed before surgery and
continues for a year after the operation. It helps
strengthen the muscles around the injury to give the
organ greater stability and restore its normal
movement.
The research will also address the challenges that may
face the application of intensive physiotherapy, such as
athletes' commitment to treatment programs,
providing the necessary resources and equipment, and
coordination between the medical and athletic teams
to achieve the best possible results.
Ultimately, this research aims to provide practical,
evidence-based
recommendations
to
improve
intensive physiotherapy strategies and enhance their
effectiveness in the recovery of cruciate ligament
injuries, which contributes to improving the health and
performance of professional athletes.
The Research Problem
It may be to achieve a deep understanding of how
intensive physiotherapy affects the recovery period
and its effectiveness in treating cruciate ligaments in
professional athletes, and to test whether intensive
physiotherapy protocols actually contribute to
improving recovery outcomes in a significant way
compared to traditional protocols.
In detail, it may include:
1.
Evaluating the time period required for
recovery among athletes who receive intensive
physiotherapy versus athletes who receive traditional
physiotherapy.
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2.
Studying the rates of relapse or re-injury after
recovery.
3.
Measuring the level of athletic performance
after returning to sports following treatment.
Objectives of the research The aim will be to develop a
comprehensive understanding of how physical therapy
protocols enhance optimal rehabilitation for ACL
injuries and to help health professionals make
informed decisions about the best treatment methods
and practices for athletes. Evaluate the effectiveness
of intensive physical therapy programs in improving
knee function after ACL injury. Measure the speed of
recovery of professional athletes and their return to
sports activity after intensive physical therapy. Identify
factors affecting the success of intensive physical
therapy in cases of ACL injuries. Research hypotheses
the research will be implemented using a quasi-
experimental methodology that includes a sample of
professional athletes who have suffered ACL injuries.
Participants will be divided into two groups: Sample
division: Participants were divided into two groups:
Experimental group: Underwent an intensive physical
therapy program for six months. Control group:
Underwent a traditional physical therapy program for
six months.1- Therapeutic programs, intensive physical
therapy programs: Intensive: Includes daily sessions
ranging from 60-90 minutes, including strengthening
exercises, flexibility exercises, balance exercises, and
aquatic therapy. Strength and flexibility training:
exercises to improve strength and flexibility in the
thigh and leg muscles. Electrotherapy: using electrical
stimulation techniques to improve healing and relieve
pain. Manual therapy: massage and manipulation
techniques to improve movement and reduce
stiffness. Balance and coordination exercises:
exercises to improve balance and prevent future
injuries.2- Traditional: involves weekly sessions of 30-45
minutes, focusing on core exercises and flexibility.
Research areas:
Study sample: 50 professional athletes who suffered
cruciate ligament injuries and underwent ligament
repair surgery were selected.
1. Spatial scope: Isfahan Sports Club / Islamic Republic
of Iran.
2. Temporal scope: From 2/1/2023 to 8/1/2023.
Chapter Three
The research will be implemented using a quasi-
experimental methodology that includes a sample of
professional athletes who suffered cruciate ligament
injuries. The group consists of (50) players, (40)
intensive
physiotherapy,
(10)
traditional
physiotherapy, and the duration is (8) weeks. The
participants will be divided into two groups:
Experimental group: will receive an intensive
physiotherapy program.
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Control group: will receive a traditional physiotherapy
program.
The treatment is divided into therapeutic programs:
1. Intensive physical therapy:
Strength and flexibility training: Exercises to improve
strength and flexibility in the thigh and leg muscles.
Electrotherapy:
Use
of
electrical
stimulation
techniques to improve healing and relieve pain.
Manual
therapy:
Massage
and
manipulation
techniques to improve movement and reduce
stiffness.
Balance and coordination exercises: Exercises to
improve balance and prevent future injuries.
2. Traditional physical therapy:
General training: Light exercises to improve general
movement and strength.
Ice therapy: To reduce swelling and pain after surgery.
Home exercises: Simple exercises that the patient can
do at home to improve movement and healing
First: Intensive physical therapy
Strength and flexibility training:
Physical therapy aims to improve muscle strength,
flexibility, and balance and improve movement and
daily vital functions.
It also helps reduce pain and improve overall quality of
life.
A comprehensive approach to improving the patient's
quality of life, increasing their independence and
improving their overall well-being.
Training the exercise of raising the legs together to the
side is more effective for strengthening the thigh
muscles, and this method is the best way to achieve
complete balance for the div.
The exercise begins by standing straight, then lifting
one of the legs straight forward, then backwards or to
one side of the div.
To improve these exercises, we lift the legs while
standing, from the movement of the hip joint, and
flexibility increases in this method more than other
methods by recovering in this exercise.
When doing the leg lift exercise in the case of recovery
or treatment, if you have been exposed to an injury to
one of the cruciate ligaments or have undergone
surgery in the thigh, knee, or ankle, you benefit from
the leg lift exercise as one of the physical therapy
procedures to help recover completely and improve
the strength of the lower limbs and thus help improve
the ability to walk.
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This treatment aims to rebuild the anterior cruciate
ligament and the strength of the thigh muscles to a
large extent. Finding a solution to prevent energy is of
great importance.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect
of eight weeks of cross-training on quadriceps strength
in professionals after anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction. Methods: 16 patients with a mean age
of 28.02 ± 1.55 years and a mean weight of 71.7 ± 7.15 kg
who suffered from anterior cruciate ligament rupture
were selected and divided into two groups,
experimental and control. In addition to physical
therapy exercises, the experimental group performed
cross-training with the healthy leg for eight weeks,
three sessions per week, each session lasting 20
minutes, and the control group performed their own
physical therapy exercises only. Three days before
ligament reconstruction and after nine weeks and 24
sessions of cross-training, the quadriceps strength of
both legs of patients at a 60-degree angle was
measured using the Biodex isokinetic device. Data
were tested using the Student's T-test at a significance
level of p<0.05.Results: The results showed that after
eight weeks of intensive cross-training, the strength of
the quadriceps muscle of the healthy leg in the subjects
in the experimental group was high. Significantly (p =
0.002). Also, the rate of reduction in the strength of the
quadriceps muscles after ACL reconstruction was
significantly lower in the experimental group
compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion:
These therapeutic exercises can increase the strength
of a healthy div and also prevent a significant
decrease in the strength of the div that underwent
surgery.
Electrotherapy: Using electrical stimulation techniques
to improve healing and relieve pain:
People mistakenly think that the therapist is still using
the traditional method such as (exercises - manual
equipment - the therapist's experience only) because,
with the advancement of science and technology,
there are benefits of electrotherapy that you did not
know about due to the amazing development
witnessed by physical therapy in the use of the latest
technologies in treatment (2)
The importance of electrotherapy becomes in its ability
to stimulate paralyzed limbs by stimulating specific
electrical impulses, and when this technique is linked to
intensive physical therapy, the effects of treatment
appear good and vary on those suffering from paralysis
injuries throughout the div (3 )
Applying electrotherapy aims to eliminate pain and
muscle weakness and improve div functions. Physical
therapy and rehabilitation, the most important branch
of medicine, is concerned with the whole div.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation is a branch that is
directly related to areas such as back and neck pain,
joint pain, stroke, stroke paralysis, spinal cord injury,
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Parkinson's
disease
and
multiple
sclerosis
rehabilitation, rheumatic rehabilitation, orthopedic
rehabilitation, professional sports health, and cruciate
ligament regeneration.
Electrotherapy is not a standalone treatment. It
operates in harmony with other branches of medicine,
providing support and complementing their efforts.
This collaborative approach ensures that patients
receive comprehensive care that is tailored to their
specific conditions and physical abilities.
Intensive rehabilitation physiotherapy, with its focus
on electrotherapy, is designed to alleviate patients'
pain, restore the function of impaired ligaments, and
expedite recovery post-surgery. This approach instills
hope and optimism in patients, assuring them that
their condition is manageable and their recovery is
within reach.
Electrotherapy is a vital healing method in
physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications (4 ).
What is electrotherapy how much is it used in physical
therapy, and how beneficial is it in the cruciate
ligament:
Electrotherapy, which is a very common treatment, is
used to increase blood circulation in chronic or acute
painful diseases, to relieve muscle spasms, reduce and
eliminate edema, and to create a pain-relieving effect
in the knee joint.
A low-intensity current is given directly to the area of
the div (knee) to be treated with electrotherapy,
which stimulates the sensory nerves and prevents
them from bearing pain.
Usually taking 20-30 minutes, electrotherapy, which
must certainly be applied by a specialist doctor and a
physiotherapist, is used for muscles that do not work
at all, muscles that work but cannot work fully, and
pains that occur in different parts of the div.
The purpose of applying electrotherapy is to eliminate
pain and muscle weakness and improve div
functions.
For this purpose, electric currents of different and
different frequencies are used.
The difference in the electrical potential of the ions,
which tends to move from high intensity to low
intensity, again creates electrical energy that allows
the ions to move.
Considering the conductive properties of biological
muscles and nerves, the resulting electrical energy
gives vitality to the area applied with electrotherapy.
However, due to the presence of many variable
variables, the electrotherapy method must be applied
by specialists to obtain the correct result.
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Simple electrical currents and complex functional
simulation (simulation) applications are performed
with electrotherapy devices.
Dozens of current and muscle simulation applications
that stop pain are performed with electrotherapy
devices.
The therapeutic use of ultrasound and laser increases
the success of the treatment.
Whirlpool baths added to electrotherapy, sound waves
and magnetic field treatments can also be used in
physical therapy and rehabilitation applications.
Functional electrical stimulation:
FES: is electrical stimulation of the nerve that is treated
through the skin using electrical currents from a nerve
stimulator for therapeutic purposes.
The TENS device delivers the full range of currents
delivered to the skin to stimulate nerves, although the
term is often used with a narrower intent to describe
the type of pulses produced by portable stimulators
used to relieve pain.
The device usually delivers the pulse to the skin using
two or more electrodes of conductive gel.
Battery-operated TENS units can modify the pulse
width, frequency, and intensity. In general, TENS is
delivered at a high frequency (>50 Hz) with an intensity
less than the intensity of muscle contraction or at a low
frequency (<10 Hz) with an intensity that produces
muscle contraction.
The use of TENS has been shown to be effective in
clinical studies, but there is controversy over the
conditions for the device's use for therapeutic
purposes (5 ).
Also known as: The application of electrical stimulation
to create functional movement in muscles that lack
neural control.
In FES systems, the nerves that supply the muscles are
stimulated, not the muscles.
In which cases should electrotherapy not be used?
The treatment cannot be applied in patients who do
not show sufficient cooperation and in cases where
skin sensitivity is lost, as the effectiveness cannot be
determined and the dose adjusted.
It can also not be applied in case of loss of skin
continuity in the application area.
Manual
therapy:
Massage
and
manipulation
techniques to improve movement and reduce stiffness
What is Manual Physiotherapy?
The duration of treatment for a cruciate ligament tear
is usually 6-9 months after surgery, and sometimes the
patient needs 12 months to fully recover.
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Manual physiotherapy must be used for recovery,
strengthening the movements of the patient's joints,
and relieving muscle tension to enable the patient to
move freely and without pain.
Reciprocal treatment so that it can provide relief to
patients in treating joint problems such as (knee joint
weakness, chronic back pain, acute back pain resulting
from soft tissue injuries, back muscle tension, and
ligament contracture (6).
When starting intensive clinical manual physical
therapy after drug treatment for the ACL, it is with
continuous rehabilitation therapy for up to weeks, and
the physical therapist performs exercises, which you
do under continuous supervision or at home.
Rehabilitation works to reduce pain, swelling, restore
full range of motion to your knee, and strengthen your
muscles.
This course of physical therapy may help successfully
treat an ACL injury for individuals who are relatively
inactive, or people who participate in moderate
exercise and recreational activities, or who play sports
that put less stress on the knees.
Some massage techniques can be part of the
rehabilitation program after an ACL injury:
1-
Lymphatic massage helps reduce swelling and
inflammation around the injured area.
2- Deep tissue massage: aims to relieve tissue
adhesions and improves blood circulation to promote
healing.
3-Quadriceps and calf muscle massage: This helps
maintain the flexibility of the muscles surrounding the
knee and supports the recovery of the ACL.
4- Gentle stretching exercises are not massage
exercises in themselves, but they help maintain the
flexibility of the surrounding tissues and prevent the
knee from stiffening. These exercises are for (8) weeks
at a rate of (30) minutes per day in the form of (3)
minutes and a minute of rest for the experimental
group, and it is essential to rehabilitate under the
supervision of a specialist to ensure that the exercises
and massage are performed correctly and safely.
Balance and coordination exercises: exercises to
improve balance and prevent future injuries: Physical
therapy is an element of rehabilitation consisting of
sports exercises and massage of div parts with a
focus on (back-upper arms-legs). Physical therapy
strengthens the function of joints and muscles in
general and helps injured people recover (standing,
balancing, walking, climbing stairs better). Physical
therapy techniques consist of the following:
1-
General range of motion exercises.
2-
Exercises to strengthen the div's muscles,
especially the injured part, to help recovery.
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3-
Exercises to coordinate and balance the div
and stand correctly.
4-
Exercises to stroll (walking) and then speed up
a little.
5-
Exercises to adapt to the div in general.
6-
Movement training (mobility) (6).
We take from them coordination and balance
exercises: These exercises help people who suffer from
problems with imbalance, coordination of div
movements, and balance, and motor coordination
exercises aim to help people perform specific
movements only. The exercise of repeating functional
sports movements is used to move more than one joint
and one muscle at a time, such as lifting things or
holding a part of the div. Balance exercises are
initially performed using parallel bars, with the
therapist standing directly behind the patient. The
patient moves his div by transferring his weight
between the right and left legs in a swaying motion.
When the patient safely completes this exercise, the
weight can be transferred between the front and back.
The second control group:
This group receives traditional physical therapy:
Traditional physical therapy consists of some exercises,
some of which are:
General training: light exercises to improve general
movement and strength.
Ice therapy: to reduce swelling and pain after surgery.
Home exercises: simple exercises that the patient can
do at home to improve movement and recovery
There are also some controls. The motor control theory
refers to the organization of mechanisms attributed to
movement.
Motor control theories include the traditional
hierarchical theory.
This theory describes motor control as a rigid process
in which the central nervous system acts as a command
center, including the motor cortex, which inhibits
lower centers and regulates movement.
In contrast, the dynamic, environmental, and systems
theory focuses on motor control as a function of the
interaction between multiple factors (7 ).
The theory based on integrated systems describes that
the execution of the motor task is determined by the
characteristics of the task and the environmental
characteristics.
The following are guidelines on the theory of
movement for those with cruciate ligament injuries:
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1. You should start after surgery by moving the knee
directly a little, with the instructions given to you by the
doctor after the operation. (8 ):
Not moving the knee does not reduce pain; on the
contrary, it leads to muscle atrophy, slowing the
recovery of normal knee function.
2 . Use weights initially (the first week) in a gradual,
light, and controlled manner to the extent that each
injured person can bear individually, taking into
account any instructions the therapist gave regarding
surgery.
3 . The injured person can perform open movement
exercises to recover from the injury within a specific
range of motion (90°-45° of knee flexion) from the
beginning of the fourth week after the surgery without
compromising the knee's stability. It is necessary to be
monitored by doctors, and the injured person should
monitor the symptoms of pain in the front part of the
knee, adjust the load and the weight on the knee, and
progress in strengthening it within that.
4. It is necessary to use exercises for the thigh muscles
that are equal in size (in the fixed contractions of the
quadriceps muscle and exercises to raise the leg with it
straight), which produces a slight effect on the
recovery from knee flexion faster. This exercise does
not affect the strength of the quadriceps muscle; it is
possible to start these exercises during the first two
weeks after surgery without compromising the
integrity of the patch. 5- The exercise begins with
pressing the legs (the patient moves his div with an
exercise by pushing his weight away from him using
the legs together). Early can start (three weeks) after
surgery for patients who have a patch of the hamstring
muscles, using a functional pattern similar to the half
squat (0°-45°) to improve the strength of the
quadriceps muscle, the hamstring muscles, functional
activities, and self-function, you must monitor the pain
in the front of the knee, with a gradual increase in the
load on it according to the situation of the pain.
We start with traditional exercises.
First: General training
Light exercises to improve general movement and
strength
1-Flexibility exercise: Lie on your bed, pull your knee
towards your chest, clasp your hands behind your
knee, relax your leg, and allow your heel to drop. You
will feel the muscles stretching in front of your knee.
Stay in this position for a few minutes or as long as
possible; repeat this exercise (5 times) a day.
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2- Quadriceps strengthening and stretching exercise:
Sit on the bed and extend your leg.
Tighten the thigh muscle by gently pushing the back of
your knee into the bed.
Hold for 5 seconds, and then relax. Repeat this (10
times, three times) a day.
The same exercise can be performed with a towel
rolled up in a cylindrical shape under the knee.
3- Ankle exercise: Move your foot up and down by
contracting the shin and calf muscles. Repeat for (2 to
3 minutes) (2 to 3 times) per hour or more.
For another ankle exercise, place a towel rolled in a
cylindrical shape under the ankle. Then, extend the leg,
pull the foot up, and press down as much as possible
until you feel tension in the muscles. Hold this position
for 10 seconds, then relax and repeat the exercise 10
times.
4- Heel sliding exercise: Lying on your back, extend
your leg on the bed. Then, slowly bend your knee as
much as possible at an acceptable angle. Hold this
position for a count of 3. Then, gently move the heel
down and let it slide slowly, making sure that the knee
returns to a completely straight position after each
repetition. Repeat ten times, twice a day.
Second: Home exercises: The patient can do simple
exercises at home to improve movement and recovery.
Cruciate ligament exercises: They are essential in
increasing the success rate of the operation by
increasing muscle strength and increasing the range of
motion of the cruciate ligament. Resistance exercises
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can be added gradually; here are some home exercises
that the injured person can perform:
1- Raise the heel of the foot: This exercise is done by
focusing one hand on the back (back) of the chair to
increase balance, then slowly gradually raising the heel
of the foot in place of the injured knee and standing on
the tips of the toes while maintaining this position for
a period ranging between (5-10 seconds), then return
the heel of the leg to ground level.
2- Straight leg raising exercise: The exercise involves
lying on the back completely, with the legs extended
on the ground, raising the injured leg up for a few
seconds, returning the leg to its position, and
repeating the process several times.
3- Knee flexion exercise with stretching: This exercise
is done by stretching on the abdomen and stretching
the legs straight, then bending the injured knee, with
the help of the therapist, moving the heel of the foot
towards the buttocks, and maintaining the position for
a period of (5 seconds), and repeating several times.
4- Single squat exercise: This exercise is started by
standing straight with your feet shoulder-width apart,
slowly bending your knees while lowering your hips to
form an angle of (54 degrees), maintaining this
position for (5 seconds), and repeating this exercise
several times.
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–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
5- Step climbing exercises: You should do this exercise
using a step or chair to climb on, and this is done by
raising the injured leg on the chair or step, then
bending the knee, and going down.
6- Standing on one leg: This exercise is done by raising
the uninjured leg to the ground and standing on the
injured leg for (10 seconds).
RESULTS
The results indicate that intensive physical therapy
plays a crucial role in the recovery from ACL injuries in
professional athletes. The results showed that athletes
receiving intensive physical therapy had greater
improvements in muscle strength and joint stability
and returned to sports faster than those receiving
conventional treatment, and the rates of recurrence of
injury were expected to be reduced due to the
improvements gained from intensive therapy.
Improvement
in
physical
performance:
The
experimental group showed greater improvement in
the ability to return to full sports performance than the
control group. Recovery duration: The average
recovery period in the experimental group was four
months compared to 6 months in the control group.
Reduction in pain: The experimental group reported
lower pain levels during and after rehabilitation.
Volume 04 Issue 08-2024
108
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
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2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
08
P
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:
94-109
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Flexibility and strength: Significant improvements in
knee flexibility and strength were observed in the
experimental group. The study "The Effect of Intensive
Physical Therapy on the Recovery of Cruciate Ligament
Injuries in Professional Athletes" showed that the
benefits in the field of sports medicine lie in the
following points:
1. Improving recovery outcomes: Intensive physical
therapy can reduce recovery time and improve knee
functional outcomes, allowing athletes to return to
their pre-injury athletic performance more quickly and
safely.
2. Innovative treatment strategies: The study provides
a deeper understanding of which therapeutic practices
are effective, contributing to the development of new
techniques or improvement of existing strategies in
physical therapy.
3. Cost and efficiency: If intensive physical therapy is
found to have positive effects, this could lead to a
reduction in the overall costs of treatment by reducing
the number of sessions required or shortening stays in
medical facilities.
4. Quality of life for athletes: Since cruciate ligaments
are common injuries among athletes and can
significantly impact quality of life, improving recovery
processes means improving the overall well-being of
athletes.
5. Preventing future injuries: Understanding how
intensive physical therapy affects the ligaments can
lead to better strategies for preventing recurrent
injuries.
6. Research and clinical application: Research enhances
and supports clinical knowledge, leading to better
training of medical professionals and improved quality
of healthcare for athletes.
7. Mental health of athletes: ACL injuries can be
frustrating and cause anxiety about the future of sport;
rapid and effective recovery can help mitigate these
negative psychological effects.
CONCLUSION
Last but not least, elite athletes who suffer cruciate
ligament injuries fare much better after undergoing
rigorous physical treatment. In addition to hastening
recovery, the regimen's structure and rigor aid in
restoring the damaged limb's strength and
functionality. Researchers have shown that compared
to athletes who adhere to conventional rehabilitation
methods, individuals who undergo intense physical
therapy recover more quickly and have a decreased
chance of re-injury. Consequently, elite athletes with
cruciate ligament injuries should consider intense
physical therapy a crucial part of their recovery plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Volume 04 Issue 08-2024
109
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
08
P
AGES
:
94-109
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
1- Encourage sports teams and treatment centers to
adopt intensive physical therapy programs as part of
rehabilitation protocols after ACL surgery.
2- Conduct further research to identify best practices
and develop personalized treatment protocols that
suit the different needs of athletes.
REFERENCES
1-
Smith, A., & Jones, B. (2020). The role of intensive
physical therapy in rehabilitating anterior cruciate
ligament injuries. Journal of Sports Medicine.
2-
Brown, C., & Williams, D. (2019). Rehabilitation
outcomes in professional athletes after anterior
cruciate ligament surgery. Journal of Orthopaedic
Research.
3-
Al-Akhdar, P., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of physical
therapy interventions after anterior cruciate
ligament reconstruction in athletes. Journal of
Athletic Training.
4-
Adams, D., & Logerstedt, D. (2021). Effect of
physical therapy intensity on recovery outcomes
after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, 30(4), 520-533.
5-
Paterno, M. V., et al. (2018) Rehabilitation after
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a
systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic and
Sports Physical Therapy, 48(2), A1-A43.
6-
Hewitt, T. E., et al. (2013). Mechanisms, prediction,
and prevention of anterior cruciate ligament
injuries: evolving concepts. Journal of Orthopaedic
Sports Medicine, 41(3), 627-636.
7-
Research published on a medical website: Sports
Injury and Physical Therapy Section, 2023.
8-
Official US Government website: Benefits of
electrotherapy and the latest physical therapy
techniques, 2023.
9-
- Research published on the Al Jazeera website
entitled Electroconvulsive Therapy. A Glimmer of
Hope for Cruciate Ligament Injuries, 2023.
10-
Research published on (FizyoCare) Medical Center
for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, 2023.
11-
Research from MSD Medical Guides website,
Rehabilitation Section, 2023.
12-
Application of Motor Control Theory in Physical
Therapy Practice: Lisa K. Kenyon, Corresponding
Author, and Mary T. Blackinton, Research
published on the United States of America website,
2023.
13-
Principles of Exercises for Clinical Practices for
Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Reconstruction Surgery, Research published on
Aspetar Medical website, 2023.
14-
Anterior
Cruciate
Ligament
Injury
(ACL).
Rochester, Minnesota: Mayo Foundation for
Medical Education and Research; 2018.
