[Pulley system isokinetic training in knee rehabilitation--initial results].

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a knee rehabilitation program after knee surgery, based on an isokinetic pulley System (Moflex, Recotec/Bernina, Switzerland).

METHOD: In this prospective study, 73 patients participated in a standardized rehabilitation program (ACL reconstruction, ACL/all: n = ;51; patellar tendon, ACL/P: n = 30; semitendinosus tendon, ACL/S: n = 21; arthroscopic meniscus resection: n = 22). The major aspect of the program was an isokinetic pulley system with an implemented, linearly working knee device.

RESULTS: Isokinetic training with the used device affords strict monitor feed-back to avoid critical torque values. Concentric training strength and workload which were attained without relevant pain were increased by about 130% within a mean of 16 rehabilitation days. At the end of the rehabilitation program, the maximum concentric strength of the affected knee measured by a rotating isokinetic system (Cybex, Kaphingst, Lahntal) increased by about 69% and amounted to about 90% of that of the unaffected knee.

CONCLUSION: These first results demonstrate the value of the isokinetic pulley system in the rehabilitation after knee surgery as described above. The equipment may be used already in an early postoperative stage by the use of a passive or active-assistive mode. First results of strength increases using an isokinetic pulley system in knee rehabilitation are presented.