COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN MANUAL THERAPY COMBINED WITH EXERCISE AND RUSSIAN CURRENT MODALITY COMBINED WITH EXERCISE IN NON-SURGICAL ACL REHABILITATION

Abstract

Background: Injury to the ligament (tears and sprain) particularly the ACL are common in active
individuals. Anterior cruciate ligament is an important intra-articular ligament of the knee joint because it
resists anterior tibial translation and rotational stress. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) originates from
the medial and anterior aspect of the tibial plateau and runs superiorly, laterally, and posteriorly toward its
insertion on the lateral femoral condyle. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are notably frequent and
severe, particularly in the context of athletic activities. These injuries typically result in joint swelling,
compromised movement mechanics, muscle weakness, and diminished functional capabilities. In this study
Manual therapy and electrotherapy(Russian Current) with combined exercises programe has been introduce
to reduce and improve function in non surgical ACL rehabilitation.
Objective: The objective of the study is to i) Assess the efficacy of manual therapy in rehabilitation to
improve pain and disability in the treatment of non operative ACL rehab, ii) assess the efficacy of
electrotherapy (Russian current) in rehabilitation to improve pain and disability in the treatment of non
operative ACL rehab,iii)assess the effectiveness of exercise in rehab to improve gait, strength and balance
in the treatment of non operative ACL rehab,iv)Finally, the study will compare the results of both
intervention strategies in terms of improving dynamic knee function in individuals diagnosed with ACL
TEAR or injury.
Methods: 60 patient diagnosed with the ACL tear or injury by orthopedic OPD or physiotherapy
department were initially assessed for the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Prior to the treatment procedure
patient are oriented to the study. Participants are divided into 2 groups and both groups assessed for the pre
test parameter.
Outcome measure : KOOS (knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score), Goniometry is used for
measuring pre and post intervention evaluation.
Results: The Study was significant in reducing pain level and improving functional ability. At the end of
six week intervention, for both group: Group A (Manual therapy with exercises) and Group B
(Electrotherapy Russian current with exercises) showed improvement in the symptoms. Based on the
results the study supports research hypothesis that there was a significant improvement in the ROM and
functional ability or ADL performance associated with ACL injury.
Conclusion: The findings of the interventions indicate that when exercise is combined with either
electrotherapy or manual therapy, both approaches lead to improvements in range of motion and functional
ability. However, the results suggest that when exercise is combined with Russian current therapy, the
outcomes may be slightly better compared to manual therapy combined with exercise