Optimal timing and amount of exercise after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: focus on joint contracture and muscle atrophy.

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19400
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima International University
• Principal Investigator: Kaneguchi Akinori 広島国際大学, 総合リハビリテーション学部, 助教 (10826704)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 膝前十字靭帯損傷 / 膝前十字靭帯再建 / リハビリテーション / 運動 / 関節固定

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of joint immobilization and treadmill exercise on joint contracture and muscle atrophy after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Rats received unilateral knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery and were reared without intervention, with joint immobilization, or with daily treadmill exercise (60 minutes/day).
Joint immobilization worsened joint contracture within two weeks. It also adversely affected atrophy of the rectus femoris muscle when performed for four weeks. Treadmill exercise during first two weeks post-surgery worsened joint contracture, while it improved joint contracture when started at two weeks post-surgery. Treadmill exercise could not improve muscle atrophy.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

膝前十字靭帯再建後のリハビリテーションでは、関節拘縮や筋萎縮を予防・改善することが重要となる。しかし、そのために術後どの時期からどの程度運動を行えば良いか、一致した見解は得られていない。
本研究では、前十字靭帯再建後の関節固定とトレッドミル運動が関節拘縮や筋萎縮に及ぼす影響を明らかにした。本研究の結果は、前十字靭帯再建後の効果的なリハビリテーションプログラムの確立につながる重要な基礎データとなると考える。