Electromyostimulation and isokinetic training in rehabilitation after anterior cruciate surgery

In the present study the application of electromyostimulation (EMS) and isokinetic training as an extra form of therapy for muscular rehabilitation, after surgery for cruciate ligament injuries, was investigated. 36 patients were randomly divided into three groups for different post-operative treatments during the period from March 1990 to February 1991: group I had gymnastic exercises immediately after surgery and physiotherapy, group II had the same plus EMS (from the seventh day after surgery) and group III also had the same treatment as the first group but with EMS and isokinetic training (from the ninth week after surgery). Nine weeks after surgery group II, with EMS additionally,, showed significantly better results both for the maximum strength transmitted via the isokinetic system and for muscle activity as measured by the myo-feedback system. Group III, on the ether hand, showed no significant improvement as a result of the additional isokinetic training. No significant difference could be seen between the groups, neither from subjective observation nor through clinical and instrumental stability tests. As a conclusion, the authors recommend that additional EMS therapy should be obligatory after surgery for cruciate ligament replacement. No significant advantage from isokinetic training was discovered and thus its use should be reserved to particular cases (e.g. underdeveloped muscles) and for patients with weak cruciate ligaments who are being treated conservatively.