LAUSR

CONTEXT Although many researchers have investigated the functional outcomes of different accelerated rehabilitation programs after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), the functional results of the same accelerated rehabilitation program following ACLR applied for both elite athletes and non-athletes have not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the same accelerated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation program on pain and functionality of elite athletes and non-athletes. DESIGN Prospective preintervention - postintervention design. SETTING Physiotherapy department. PARTICIPANTS 15 elite athletes and 15 non-athletes who underwent unilateral ACLR with autologous hamstring tendon graft. INTERVENTION All participants were received the same protocol for 6 weeks (5 sessions in a week). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary measurements were pain intensity which was measured by visual analogue scale, range of motion measurement using universal goniometer and functionality which was detected by Lysholm score. Secondary measurements were SF-36 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS Higher Lysholm (p=0.002) and BDI (p=0.034) scores were observed in elite athlete group, and higher pain (p=0.000) was observed in non-athlete group at baseline assessments. Significant improvement detected for pain (p<0.05), knee flexion range (p<0.05), Lysholm score (p<0.05) and BDI (p<0.05) compared to pre-intervention for both groups. Finally, after comparing the mean change values, non-athlete group displayed greater decrease in pain level (p=0.009) and participants in elite athlete group further showed a greater decrease in depression level (p=0.003). CONCLUSION This study found that the same accelerated rehabilitation protocol provides significant improvements for pain, functionality and depression in both elite athletes and non-athletes after ACLR. Clinicans should consider our results when applying ACL rehabilitation program for non-athlete group.