Please login to view this media
- Talk
- UK
The Effectiveness of Preoperative Rehabilitation Programmes on Postoperative Outcomes following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Description
In this presentation, Hayley Carter, a physiotherapist from the University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, discusses the findings of her systematic review on the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programs (referred to as PreHab) for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The presentation begins with an introduction by David Keen, followed by Hayley's acknowledgment of her team and the funding body for their support.
Hayley outlines the primary aim of the study, which was to evaluate the impact of PreHab on post-operative outcomes, specifically focusing on physical and psychological measures following ACL surgery. The methodology involved a comprehensive search strategy that identified 739 articles, leading to a final inclusion of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 122 adult participants (95% male).
She emphasizes the diversity in PreHab programs across the studies, noting variations in session numbers, program lengths, and exercise content. However, all studies exhibited a high risk of bias, leading to low-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of these programs. Hayley presents the review's results, highlighting some statistically significant improvements in quadriceps strength and single-leg hop scores at three months post-surgery, but no significant differences in pain, function, or return-to-sport times were detected.
Concluding her findings, Hayley notes the lack of consensus on what constitutes an optimal PreHab program and the need for further research, particularly in integrating psychosocial factors that could affect rehabilitation outcomes. She encourages the consideration of psychological readiness and other relevant measurements beyond physical aspects, which could enhance understanding and support for patients recovering from ACL injuries.