EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTRICAL MUSCLES STIMULATION VERSUS STRENGTHENING EXERCISES IN ATHLETES WITH ACUTE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament injury was a condition in which tibia externally rotated and femur moved internally due to contact or non-contact injury. In ACL injury, ligament was stretched causing partially or completely tear. ACL was more common in athletes as compared to general population. This injury was presenting in the individuals over 16 years old and was more common in females due to hormonal and biomechanical factors. EMS and Strengthening exercises were used as interventions and showed greater effects to maintaining muscle strength, reducing muscle atrophy, restoring muscle function, reducing pain and improving tissue healing. Aims and Objectives: This study compared the effectiveness of EMS versus Strengthening exercises in athletes with acute ACL injury. It focused on evaluating the effects of EMS on ACL patients to reduce pain, improve function and mobility as well as the effects of strengthening exercises on ACL patients to improve knee stability and reduce function disability. Materials and Methodology: This study was a Randomized Clinical trial conducted on 78 patients who were athletes diagnosed with ACL injury. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups each group contained 39 individuals. Group A received EMS and Group B received strengthening exercises. Treatment sessions were conducted two times per week for six one month. Outcome measures included the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS) and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Statistical Analysis: Data Analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.