Adherence
Closed kinetic chain (CKC) quadriceps exercises are preferred over open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises in the first 6 weeks after ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) grafts, as OKC exercises may increase graft laxity.
If you had your ACL reconstructed with a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, avoid open kinetic chain exercises (like straight leg extensions) for the first 6 weeks. Instead, focus on closed kinetic chain exercises (like squats or lunges) as they are safer for your graft and lead to better knee function. If you had a hamstring graft, you might be able to start limited open chain exercises after 4 weeks, but only within a specific range of motion.
Andersson et al conclude in their systematic review (level A1) that after ACLR with BTPB, CKC quadriceps exercises produce less pain, less risk of increased laxity and better self-reported knee function compared to OKC quadriceps exercises.
Why this rating
Based on Level A1 systematic reviews.
Source
Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation based on a systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus
Nicky van Melick et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2016
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095898
More from this paper
- Prehabilitation (preoperative rehabilitation) improves self-reported knee function up to 2 years after ACL reconstruction, although it may not significantly affect early quadriceps strength.Limited
- Postoperative rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) should be structured into a prehabilitation phase and three criterion-based postoperative phases (impairment-based, sport-specific, return to play) lasting 9–12 months, guided by objective strength, hop, and movement quality tests rather than time-based protocols.Weak
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →