The effect of a decentralized training program on restoring functional competence and motor symmetry

Dr. Hisham Muhammad Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zawaghi

Department of Physical Education – Faculty of Arts and Education / Sabratha University

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20171064  

Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of an eccentric training program on restoring functional efficiency and improving motor symmetry between the injured and uninjured limbs during the intermediate phase of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation. The researcher used an experimental approach with a pre-test and post-test design for a single group. The study sample was randomly selected from patients with ACL rupture following surgical reconstruction who were undergoing rehabilitation programs. The sample consisted of (10) male participants attending the Physical Therapy Department at Sabratha Teaching Hospital, an eccentric training program was applied for a duration of (12) weeks, with (3) sessions per week and a session duration ranging from (45–60) minutes. The program included eccentric exercises, balance and neuromuscular control exercises, and progressive jumping exercises. To assess functional efficiency, a single-leg hop test battery was used, including the single hop test, triple hop test, crossover hop test, and the 6-meter timed hop test. The Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) was also calculated to evaluate motor symmetry between the lower limbs. The results showed statistically significant differences between pre-test and post-test measurements in all study variables in favor of the post-test results. Significant improvements were observed in hop test performance, and the motor symmetry percentage increased to levels approaching the recommended threshold for safe return to sports activity. The findings indicate that the eccentric training program was effective in improving functional efficiency and restoring motor symmetry among individuals undergoing ACL rehabilitation during the intermediate phase.

Keywords: Eccentric Training – Functional Efficiency – Motor Symmetry – Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Hop Test Battery – Rehabilitation.