Comparison of the Effects of Cognitive Dual-Task and Single-Task Balance Exercises on Static Balance among People with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

3 Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Objectives: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery improves mechanical stability; 
however, functional stability remains impaired. Balance exercises can help improve functional stability. 
The effect of cognitive dual-task balance exercises has not been studied in people with ACL 
reconstruction surgery; therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of cognitive dual -task and 
single-task balance exercises on the static balance indices in these individuals.
Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. After a period of conventional physiotherapy and applying 
inclusion criteria, 28 patients with ACL reconstruction surgery were randomly divided into two groups of cognitive 
dual-task and single-task balance exercises. Each group received the relevant exercises for four weeks, three times 
a week, with each session lasting 20 min. Center of pressure variables, including mean displacement in anteriorposterior and medial-lateral directions, total path length, mean velocity of displacement, root mean square of 
displacement and velocity, and the elliptical area, were measured using the FDM pressure platform before and after 
the interventions as the primary outcomes. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scale was 
completed by the participants before and after the interventions.
Results: The measured static balance variables and KOOS subscales had significant differences before and after 
intervention in both groups (P<0.05); however, no statistically significant difference was observed in these variables 
between the two groups. There was no significant correlation between KOOS subscales and measured static 
balance variables.
Conclusion: Both cognitive dual-task and single-task balance exercises improved the indicators related to static 
balance and the level of functional disability of the knee. However, cognitive dual-task balance exercises had no 
superiority over single-task balance exercises in ACL-reconstructed individuals.
 Level of evidence: II

Keywords

Main Subjects

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 12, Issue 5
May 2024
Pages 349-3569

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 29 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 03 March 2024

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