Resumption of support of operated leg after knee surgery through the practise of table tennis

Summary Objectives To quantify with a force platform the support of the operated leg through table tennis practice and to study the effect of this physical activity on the early support of the knee recovery after knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Equipment and method The movements of the pressure center on 40 subjects of the right ( n  = 20) or left ( n  = 20) knee surgery were assessed during table tennis practice. The average position (x, y), the lengths and the surface covered by the center of pressure were compared with a controlled group of 20 non-operated individuals to quantify support. The subjects were then randomized to surgery according to a table tennis controlled practice or not (10 sessions of 15 minutes during 5 days) to study the support resumption of the operated side. Results Operated knee subjects show a lack of support on the operated side compared to non-operated subjects during the table tennis practice. Table tennis training during one week improves the operated limb support and the lateral and total movements of subjects. This activity can be associated with the accelerated rehabilitation protocol proposed after ACL reconstruction.