Proprioception training for prevention and rehabilitation of knee joint injuries

SUM.MARY. S. Bruhn, A. Gol/hofer, and M. Gruber: Proprioception trainingfor prevention and rehabilitation of knee joint injuries. Eur. J. Sports Traumato!. reI. res. 23: 82-89, 2001. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eJJects after 4-week proprioception training onjilnctionaI stability of the knee joint and on the interand intramuscular coordination. In order to estimate the coordinative abilities and the stability of the knee joint, data were collected in 4 different experimental set-ups. Postural stability in static and dynamic form, the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the knee joint musculature, and reJIex contributions in simulations oJinjury mechanisms were determined. As a consequence of the 4-week training program, the sensorimotor characteristics of the knee jOint complex were imptoved. Postural stability determined on an unstable plaiform was significantly enhanced, both in mechanical as well as in neuromuscular parameters. Improvements of the isometric rate of force development were closely related to the gains in activation of the involved muscles. Functional stability determined as joint stijJhess and EMG activation following a mechanically induced anterior tibial displacement was significantly enhanced. The results of the study suggest that this type of training is powerful enough to improve both functional stability of the knee joint complex and movement coordination. 11200 I. Edltrice Kurtis