Effectiveness of Focal Muscle Vibration in Post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently followed by proprioceptive deficits and residual instability. Focal muscle vibration (FMV) is a rehabilitative technique that may enhance neuromotor recovery through proprioceptive stimulation.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an 18-year-old patient who underwent left ACL reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. The patient completed an FMV protocol (100 Hz, 0.1-0.5 mm, six consecutive sessions, 80 min/session) applied to selected muscles (vastus medialis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, gluteus maximus). Gait kinematics and kinetics, stabilometric parameters, and knee range of motion (ROM) were assessed.

RESULTS

Following treatment, improvements were observed in knee flexion ROM, gait speed and cadence, pelvic retroversion reduction, and normalization of knee extensor moment during mid-stance. Stabilometric analysis revealed a marked reduction in sway area and sway path length.

CONCLUSIONS

FMV appears to exert beneficial effects on postural control, gait function, and joint mobility in the early phase following ACL reconstruction. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.