Benefits of aquatic physical exercise in the rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament injury

Abstract

Introduction: The knee is a mobile anatomical functional unit that plays a key role in sports function. The injuries produced in this joint and, more specifically, anterior cruciate ligament tears are of great gravity, forcing the athlete to be a long time away from the competition. In recent years, work in the aquatic environment has increased due to the different advantages it provides. Regarding the rehabilitation of this type of lesions, aquatic therapies may be favorable due to their implementation in the early stages in which it is required to minimize the impact on the injured joint.

Objectives: To determine if the readaptation in the aquatic environment produces benefits during the different phases of recovery of the anterior cruciate ligament injury with respect to a readaptation in the terrestrial environment.

Method: A review has been carried out of articles that have verified the benefits obtained between an aquatic and a traditional readaptation, as well as the complementation of both.

Results: The results obtained do not show significant differences in the majority of variables (pain, ROM, force, etc.), although there is evidence of improvement in recovery time during exercise in the aquatic environment. There are also negative differences in the work of isquitibial force in the aquatic environment compared to traditional training.

Conclusions: Physical exercise in the aquatic environment is a useful supplement for terrestrial recovery. It also facilitates recovery at the early stage of the injury.

Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament, rupture, surgical intervention, hydrotherapy, pool, recovery, ROM, strength.