Research
Supervised rehab improved knee outcomes after ACL surgery in trial
Among 184 adults with ongoing knee problems after ACL surgery, supervised rehab improved KOOS scores more than self-directed rehab at four months, but the gap narrowed by 12 months.
A randomized trial of 184 adults ages 18 to 40 with persistent knee problems 9-36 months after ACL reconstruction found that supervised exercise and education improved knee outcomes more than self-directed rehabilitation at four months, according to the researchers. Participants in the supervised program improved their Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) by 14.1 points, compared with 9.4 points in the control group, a difference of 4.8 (95% CI 1.4-8.2). Higher KOOS values indicate better health.
Medical Xpress reported that supervised participants also had greater improvements in symptoms and quality of life, stronger thigh muscles and higher rates of perceived recovery at four months. By 12 months, the gap between groups had narrowed, and cartilage thickness did not differ. MedPage Today reported KOOS changes from baseline at 12 months of 14.5 points in the self-managed group and 15.8 points in the supervised group. The supervised program included physiotherapist-led exercises and education for four months.
