The Effect of Functional Movement Training After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of functional movement screen (FMS)-based functional exercise in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN Randomized, controlled, single-blind trial. SETTING Institutional, single center. PATIENTS A total of 38 patients who underwent ACLR were recruited and randomly assigned to group 1 (n = 19) or group 2 (n = 19). INTERVENTIONS Both groups received 6-month routine rehabilitation immediately after surgery. From the postoperative fourth to sixth month, group 1 received FMS-based functional exercise plus routine rehabilitation and group 2 received routine rehabilitation only. The FMS-based functional exercise was individualized and customized functional corrective exercise, which was designed based on the 3-month postoperative FMS results. The frequency of rehabilitation was 1 hour per session, twice a week, for a total duration of 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, patients were evaluated by FMS scoring, Lysholm Knee Score, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 Score. RESULTS After the intervention, both groups had significantly increased FMS, Lysholm Knee Score, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 score. Group 1 had significantly greater changes in FMS (median: 4 vs 3, P < .001), Lysholm Knee Score (median: 24 vs 16, P = .001), and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 Score (median: 22 vs 8, P < .001) than group 2. CONCLUSION The application of FMS-based functional exercise to patients after ACLR resulted in significant improvement in knee function and movements. The authors suggested integrating FMS evaluation and FMS-based training into routine post-ACLR rehabilitation programs.