https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394157264_Assessing_Gait_Adaptation_to_Prehabi[…]B1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicHJldmlvdXNQYWdlIjoic2NpZW5jZVRvcGljIn19 exercise science and kinesiology

Title: An Immediate Therapeutic Effect: Quantifying Changes in Locomotor Patterns Following a Single Pre-Surgical Intervention for Knee Ligament Insufficiency Abstract: The efficacy of preoperative neuromuscular conditioning in optimizing post-surgical outcomes is a cornerstone of sports medicine rehabilitation. This investigation quantifies the immediate biomechanical effect of a targeted pre-surgical physiotherapy session on the locomotor strategy of an individual with a complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Employing instrumented movement analysis, three-dimensional joint kinematics and triaxial ground reaction forces were captured during treadmill walking immediately before and after a 40-minute therapeutic intervention. Results demonstrated a significant shift towards improved inter-limb symmetry, characterized by a redistribution of mediolateral loading and a reduction in aberrant knee joint angle variability during stance. These immediate, objective changes in the movement signature suggest that even brief pre-surgical conditioning can acutely modify compensatory gait mechanics, potentially priming the neuromuscular system for subsequent surgical intervention and rehabilitation. This study provides quantified evidence supporting the role of exercise science principles in the acute-phase management of orthopedic injury.