Recovery Efforts for Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction with Weight Training : Literature Review

Abstract

Background. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common knee ligament injuries, especially in athletes. Although ACL reconstruction is often required to restore stability to the knee joint, postoperative rehabilitation is essential to restore knee strength and function. Weight training is considered useful for recovery. However, not many studies have thoroughly studied this technique.

Objective. This study investigated how effective weight training is in improving the recovery ability of patients after ACL reconstruction, with particular emphasis on reducing pain and increasing joint range of motion (ROM).

Methods. is a literature review where analysis of various literature sources is carried out. Literature searches were conducted through google scholar and mendeley sources with a range of years between 2019-2024.

Results: The study showed that weight training improved patient recovery, with an average pain level of 5.75 in the first cycle and a ROM of 96.25°. In the second cycle, pain levels dropped to 3.00 and ROM increased to 101.25°. In the third cycle, the pain level dropped to 1.00 and the ROM increased to 115.00°.

Discussion. In rehabilitation post ACL reconstruction, organized weight training helps reduce pain, improve knee stability, and strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint. The success of rehabilitation is enhanced by the application of varied exercises according to the stage of recovery.

Conclusion. This study found that gradual weight training can significantly accelerate the recovery process of patients after ACL reconstruction, by reducing pain and increasing ROM. These findings provide a strong basis for the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation programs in the future, as well as making weight training a standard technique in ACL injury recovery.