The effects of non-concurrent strength and endurance rehabilitation on the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal performance of knees treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).

Abstract

ACI remains a relatively new surgical technique for the treatment of chondral lesions in the knee. Studies are on going to provide evidence for the ideal tissue engineering and surgical techniques leading to the growth of hyaline cartilage. However, the post- operative rehabilitation plays an equal and important role in the outcome of the procedure. No studies to date have systematically addressed the utility and efficacy of post-surgical ACI rehabilitation, aimed specifically at improving physiological, functional and self-perceived capability. Neither are there any studies investigating whether or not the physiological processes, associated with concurrent conditioning for endurance performance, have been shown to attenuate strength performance or affect other indices of neuromuscular performance.