Introduction Aim and Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently followed by post-operative pain, restricted knee range of motion (ROM), and functional limitations. Multimodal rehabilitation approaches, such as therapeutic exercise (TE), muscle energy technique (MET), and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are commonly used; however, comparative evidence on combined interventions remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effects of TE combined with TENS and MET combined with TENS on pain intensity, knee ROM, and functional outcomes following ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: A prospective, non-randomized pilot study was conducted on 40 participants (18-40 years) who had undergone ACL reconstruction. Participants were allocated into two groups: Group A received TE plus TENS, and Group B received MET plus TENS. Interventions were administered for 5 weeks. Outcome measures included the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), goniometric assessment of knee flexion and extension, and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). Assessments were performed at baseline, Day 14, and Day 35. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc comparisons. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in pain intensity over time (P < 0.001). A significant Time × Group interaction (P = 0.017) indicated statistically faster early pain relief in the MET + TENS group. Knee flexion and extension improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences (P = 0.115). KOOS subscale scores (pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports/recreation, and quality of life) improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.001), with comparable functional gains (P = 0.091). Conclusion: This prospective pilot study suggests that both TE combined with TENS and MET combined with TENS are associated with short-term improvements in pain, knee ROM, and functional outcomes following ACL reconstruction.
Danishta et al. (Thu,) studied this question.