Effect of Backward Walking Exercise on ROM, VAS score and Proprioception in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Patients

Abstract This study examined the effects of 4-weeks of backward walking exercise on ROM, VAS (Visual AnalogueScale) score and proprioception in anterior cruciate reconstruction patients. Fourteen subjects were randomly assigned to either a backward walking group (BWG, n=7) or a control group (CON, n=7) and then participated in rehabilitationprogram for 4 weeks. The ROM of the flexion significantly decreased in both groups (BWG, p<0.001 vs CON, p<0.01), while ROM of extension significantly decreased only in the BWG (p<.05) post exercise, but no significant difference was observed between groups. Additionally, VAS score decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.001) and BWG was lower than CON post exercise (p<0.001). Finally, proprioception decreased significantly in both groups(BWG, p<0.001 vs CON, p<0.05), but did not differ significantly between groups. These results suggest that the 4week backward walking rehabilitation program improves ROM, VAS score, and proprioception and has positive effects on functional recovery of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients.