Resumo do estudo

One hundred sixty-two patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were randomized to receive either a staged physiotherapy program (n=80) or usual care physiotherapy (n=82). The primary outcome of interest was knee function at 6 months, measured using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Secondary outcomes included knee-specific quality of life (IKDC), pain, range of motion (ROM), strength, and hop testing. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed no significant difference in knee function at 6 months between groups, although usual care yielded higher IKDC scores at 3 months. The findings suggest that a staged physiotherapy model is a viable alternative to usual care without compromising mid-term knee function recovery.