Comparative  Analysis  of  Dual-Task   and   Single- Task Balance Exercises  in  Improving  Static  Balance in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Fatemeh Oraei Eslami; Jalal Ahadi; Masumeh Hallaj Mazidluie; Tabassom Ghanava; Amin Moradi

doi:10.18502/jmr.v18i3.16421

Fatemeh Oraei Eslami Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Jalal Ahadi Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Masumeh Hallaj Mazidluie Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Tabassom Ghanava Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Amin Moradi Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v18i3.16421

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; Dual-task exercise; Postural balance

Abstract

Introduction: Various balance exercises have been employed to enhance functional stability and balance in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; however, no study has explored the use of dual-task balance exercises for these patients. This study compares the effects of dual motor task balance exercises and single-task exercises on the static balance indices of individuals with ACL reconstruction.

Materials and Methods: In a single-blind randomized controlled trial, 27 subjects who had undergone ACL reconstruction were randomly divided into two groups: Dual-task and single- task balance exercises. Both groups performed their exercises three days a week for one month. Static balance indicators were assessed at the beginning and end of the treatment.

Results: The results demonstrated that after the treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in various center of pressure variables, including mean displacement in the anterior- posterior and medial-lateral directions, total path length, mean velocity of displacement, root mean square of displacement, and velocity. Furthermore, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05). However, when comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed after the treatment (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Dual-task and single-task motor exercises improve static stability and knee function levels in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of these exercise types does not significantly differ from each other.