Comparison of the effects of core stabilization exercises onbalance and trunk endurance in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery and healthy individuals

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the effects of an 8-week core stabilization exercise program on balance, trunk muscle endurance, and lower extremity muscle strength in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy individuals. The study included 15 individuals who had undergone ACLR and 15 healthy individuals. Both groups performed core stabilization exercises for 8 weeks, twice a week, under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In the initial measurements, participants' demographic data and physical activity levels (Tegner Activity Score) were recorded. All participants' static and dynamic balance (Single Leg Stance Test, Y-Balance Test, Berg Balance Scale, Romberg Test), trunk endurance (30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, McGill Core Endurance Tests), and quadriceps and hamstring isometric muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer) were evaluated before and after the program. At baseline, the ACLR group performed better than the healthy group in some balance and activity measures (p<0.05), while the healthy group had superior hamstring strength (p<0.05). Following the exercise program, significant improvements were detected in both groups in quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, all reach directions of the Y-Balance Test, and 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test performance (p<0.01). While individuals in the ACLR group with a positive Romberg test converted to negative (p<0.05), the healthy group showed a significant increase in the Tegner activity score (p<0.01). No significant changes were observed in either group for static balance or the McGill core endurance tests (p>0.05). Following the exercise intervention, the ACLR group maintained its superiority over the healthy group in Single Leg Stance (left), some reach directions of the Y-Balance Test, and Romberg test performance, or the difference increased to a statistically significant level (p<0.05). The results of the research reveal that core stabilization exercises increase the functional performance of the extremities and the overall activity level of the patients. Keywords: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Balance; Core Stabilization; Rehabilitation; Trunk Muscle Endurance.