[Effects of a proprioceptive training program on sensorimotor capacities of the lower extremity in patients with...

Sensomotory function after ACL-reconstruction was tested prior and after a proprioceptive rehabilitation program with the Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT 2000) which documented the static balance index (SBI). A control group consisting of healthy subjects was also tested two times with a time interval of six weeks. The results showed an adaptation effect to the testing device in the control group with an 17.12% increase of the SBI. There were no differences between the dominant and non dominant extremity. The active sensomotory function in the healthy knee of the operated patients showed no difference to the control group. Proprioceptive capabilities of the acl-reconstructed knee joints was significant reduced 6.42 weeks after surgery. A special proprioceptive rehabilitation program for six weeks significantly reduced this deficit. In the patient group sensomotory function of both knee joints could be increased to a level higher than in the control group. In the operated extremity the static balance index increased 27.75% and in the non injured extremity the SBI increased 16.88%.