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. 2021 Dec 2;16(6):1575–1585. doi: 10.26603/001c.29848

Table 1. Example exercises and attentional focus strategies for early phase rehabilitation.

EARLY
Using a criteria-based, evidence-based constructed approach to rehabilitation after ACL surgery is essential to progress a patient systematically and successfully through the rehabilitation process. It is imperative to control post-operative pain, inflammation and swelling during the first weeks of rehabilitation. Calming the knee down initially, starting slowly, will allow the rehabilitation to accelerate faster in the long run. Post-operative rehabilitation begins with a range of movement exercises, emphasizing full passive knee extension and weight-bearing activities immediately post-operatively.
EXERCISE EXAMPLES
Knee Extension on a Bolster Straight Leg Raise Glute Bridge Balance (Single-leg on balance board) Gait
INTERNAL FOCUS
“Press your knee toward the table” “Lift your leg 6 inches off the ground” “First, tighten your abdominals, keep them activated, then lift your hips off the floor” “Focus on keeping your pelvis as still as possible" “Extend your knee while walking”
EXTERNAL FOCUS
“Press the bolster toward the ground” “Lift your shoe 6 inches off the ground” “Push into the ground and bring this marker off the floor” (marker on waist) “Minimize the movement of the balance board” “Focus on the markers drawn on the floor” (markers based on symmetrical gait cycle)