The clinical and cost-effectiveness of two different programs for rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction

Patient rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a continuing challenge for physical therapists. This study compared the effectiveness of an established protocol to a new program which included Protonics exercise. Sixty patient (42 males and 18 females; mean age = 24.7 +/- 3.9 years; age range = 19-30 years) were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 received the established protocol and Group 2 received a Protonics exercise regimen. Both groups were measured for the time needed for return to unrestricted activity on the basis of objective, functional, and clinical exams; all tests were repeated at a 1-year follow-up exam. Group 2 completed treatment an average of 3.3 weeks sooner than Group 1 (mean = 19.8 vs. 23.1 weeks) at an average lower cost of $990.00 per subject. All subjects had good functional outcomes at the 1-year follow-up exam. It was concluded that the Protonics exercise program was more clinically and cost-effective than the other program, although both methods were successful for postsurgical anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation.