Table 2 Rehabilitation protocol (identical for both groups)
Rehabilitation phases | Objectives | Physiotherapy and activities | Criteria for progression to next phase |
|---|---|---|---|
1st phase: Accomodation | - Reduce symptomsa - Normalize ROM og muscle control | - Education/coaching - ROM, isometric exercises - Gait training (no weight-bearing for two weeks) | - No symptoms during ADL - Flexion 90° - Normalized quadriceps |
2nd phase: Rehabilitation | - Full ROM - Normalize muscle strength and joint stability | - Stationary bike cycling - Progressive knee and hip resistance training - Neuromuscular training | - Full ROM - No symptoms after training - Equally distributed weight on the lower limbs during weight-bearing exercises - Ability to stand on 1 limb on a flat surface for at least 10 s |
3rd phase: Return to activity | - Recovery of strength and neuromuscular control - Return to activity/sport | - Knee and hip resistance training - Neuromuscular training - Cardiovascular training | - Return to activity/sport based on individual assessment |