Effects of Eccentric Training and Functional Resistance Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Functional Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in athletes participating
in high-impact sports. ACL reconstruction is often required to restore knee stability and function; however, post-surgical
rehabilitation plays a crucial role in achieving optimal recovery. Eccentric training, which involves lengthening muscle
contractions under load, has been shown to enhance muscle hypertrophy, strength, and tendon properties, making it a
crucial component in ACL rehabilitation. On the other hand, functional resistance training, which mimics sport-specific
and daily movement patterns, aims to restore neuromuscular coordination and improve dynamic stability. While both
training methods have been used in rehabilitation, their combined effects on muscle strength and functional performance
post-ACLR remain an area of growing interest. Understanding the role of eccentric training and functional resistance
training in post-ACLR rehabilitation could provide insights into more effective rehabilitation strategies, improving longterm
outcomes and reducing the risk of further injuries.
AIM
To evaluate the effectiveness of eccentric training and functional resistance training in improving thigh muscle strength
following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
METHODOLOGY
A total of 30 post-ACL reconstruction subjects were selected for the study from Kaveri Physio Care, Ambattur based on
the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and the nature, purpose, benefits,
and risks of the study were explained. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group A (Eccentric training group) and
Group B (Functional resistance training group). Both groups received interventions for 6 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with
each session lasting 30–45 minutes. After the intervention period, post-test values were also noted and statistically
analyzed for the group.
RESULT
Results were analyzed; it can be clearly seen that the outcome measures show significant improvement from pre-test to
post-test due to hop test and vertical jump test. When comparing post-test results between the two groups, Group A
exhibited significantly greater improvements than Group B. From this result, it has been concluded that eccentric training
in the experimental group was more effective than functional resistance training alone in improving thigh muscle strength
and functional performance after ACL reconstruction.
Keywords: ACL reconstruction, Eccentric training, functional resistance training, hop test and vertical jump test.
How to cite this article: Sumathi M, Senthil Selvam P, Senthil P, Kumaresan A, Aysha Farsana S. Effects of Eccentric
Training and Functional Resistance Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Functional Performance After Anterior
Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4): 114-127. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4.14
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None