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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2025, vol. 31, issue4
Subject Area: Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2025314.6555
Published online: 23 October 2025
Original article
J of IMAB. 2025 Oct-Dec;31(4):6555-6559
MUSCLE STRENGTH RECOVERY AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION
Krasimira Zlatkova
, Yuliyan Zlatkov,
Department of Kinesitherapy, Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sports, South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a leading cause of injury among athletes. Achieving full recovery of muscle strength remains a challenge, particularly for professional athletes. Re–rupture of the ligament is often associated with insufficient muscle strength restoration.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a kinesitherapy methodology designed to support muscle strength recovery following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Material/ Methods: The study included 10 participants who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. After regaining joint range of motion, participants engaged in a daily exercise program conducted in a gym setting. The progression of muscle recovery was assessed through monthly anthropometric measurements. Hip circumference was measured using a tape measure, and subcutaneous fat was assessed with a skinfold caliper. The data from the affected leg was compared with that of the healthy limb at three standardized levels.
Results: The analysis revealed a consistent decrease in the differences between the affected and healthy limbs in both hip circumference and skinfold thickness at all three measured levels. A noticeable increase in subcutaneous fat was observed only at the second measurement level (20-22 cm), based on caliper data. These findings indicate a trend toward symmetry in muscle volume recovery during the kinesitherapy protocol.
Conclusions: Muscle strength recovery following ACL reconstruction is a prolonged and complex process. The proposed kinesitherapeutic approach contributed to progressive normalization of anthropometric parameters in the affected limb. Sharing this methodology may help clinicians plan effective rehabilitation strategies and reduce the risk of re–injury.
Keywords: muscle strength, anterior cruciate ligament, hip circumference, caliper,
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Please cite this article as: Zlatkova K, Zlatkov Y. Muscle strength recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J of IMAB. 2025 Oct-Dec;31(4):6555-6559. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2025314.6555]
Correspondence to: Chief Assist. Prof. Krasimira Zlatkova, PhD, Department of Kinesitherapy, Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sports, South – West University "Neofit Rilski"; 66, Ivan Mihaylov St., 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria; E-mail: hristovakrassi@swu.bg
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Received: 30 July 2025
Published online: 23 October 2025