Phys Ther Sport. 2025 May 21;74:75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2025.05.009. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of linear periodization (LP) resistance training after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).
SETTING: Physiotherapy clinic.
PARTICIPANTS: Male recreational athletes who underwent ACLR.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knee extensor and flexor isometric strength, hop tests performance, patient-reported function (International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC), and psychological readiness (Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Return to Sport after Injury, ACL-RSI).
RESULTS: Twenty-two participants (mean age 27 ± 6 years) were randomized to either a LP program or the traditional ‘3×10 reps protocol’. The LP group demonstrated greater knee extensor strength gains compared to the 3×10 group (p = 0.03): 51 % (95 %CI, 28 to 73) vs. 26 % (95 %CI, 11 to 40). No statistically significant difference (p = 0.11) in knee flexor strength gains was observed between the LP group (45 %; 95 % CI, 18 to 71) and the 3×10 group (23 %; 95 % CI, 7 to 39). Six months after ACLR, the LP group exhibited a greater knee extensor limb symmetry index (97 ± 10 % vs. 85 ± 11 %, p < 0.01) and higher ACL-RSI scores (68 ± 18 vs. 53 ± 14, p = 0.04). No significant between-group differences were found in hop performance or IKDC scores (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: A resistance training program incorporating block-structured LP is more effective than the traditional ‘3×10 reps protocol’ in enhancing knee extensor strength and psychological readiness during ACLR rehabilitation.
PMID:40441018 | DOI:10.1016/j.ptsp.2025.05.009