Effects of Lumbar Core Stability Exercise Programme on Knee Pain, Range of Motion, and Function Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose To study the additional effects of lumbar core stability on knee pain, range of motion and function post ACL reconstruction. Methods An experimental comparative study was undertaken at a tertiary orthopaedic and rehabilitation centre with a total of 60 patients with ACL reconstruction, randomly allotted into two groups. Both groups were given institutional rehabilitation protocol; and additional lumbar core stability exercise programme was given to experimental group. Intervention period was 4 weeks. Pain on VAS, range of motion (ROM) and function using Modified Lysholm Scoring Scale (MLSS) and Tegner Activity Level (TAL) were the outcome measures. Results Between group analyses of MLSS and TAL by Mann Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.038) and statistically non-significant difference (p = 1.00), respectively. Conclusion Institutional conventional exercise protocol is effective in reducing pain and improving the ROM post and lumbar core stability exercise programme is effective in improving function, post ACL reconstruction.