THE BENEFITS OF NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON THE QUADRICEPS OF INDIVIDUALS AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) SURGERY

Abstract

The reduced ability to contract the quadriceps muscle due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is evident in the postoperative period, due to the protective mechanism called atrophic muscle inhibition (AMI). Chronic weakness and failure in voluntary activation of the quadriceps muscles can persist for years after injury, increasing the risk of new injuries and the development of early osteoarthritis. The applicability of quadriceps electrical stimulation may be a useful intervention to improve deficits after reconstruction of this ligament. The aim of the present study was to verify the benefits and parameters used in electrical stimulation in the quadriceps of individuals in the postoperative period of anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The following databases were used: PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar and PeDro, using the following keywords “anterior cruciate ligament, FES, and Quadriceps”, with articles in Portuguese and English. The results highlight the importance of electrostimulation as early as possible in ACL rehabilitation, generating benefits such as reducing edema and increasing quadriceps muscle strength. However, this resource presents several divergences in the literature regarding the parameters used. Another relevant point to highlight is the use of these resources that are used in isolation, whenever possible associating active exercises with the use of electrotherapy, in order to enhance muscle strength gains and prepare the patient for the following stages of rehabilitation.