Efectividad del fortalecimiento prequirúrgico del cuádriceps sobre la recuperación funcional posquirúrgica en deportistas con ruptura completa del ligamento cruzado anterior.

Abstract

The aim of this review is to analyze the effectiveness of preoperative physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps and optimize postoperative functional recovery in athletes with complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Method: Controlled clinical trials, prospective randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies involving adults aged 18–50 years were considered. Data were independently collected from PubMed, PEDro, and SCOPUS databases. Information was synthesized into a PRISMA model with articles published between 2015 and 2025. Descriptions of tests and outcome measurement scales were included for each review. Results: Of a total of 74 studies, two met the inclusion criteria. The interventions focused on muscle strengthening and neuromuscular control to achieve improved functional results and optimal sport reintegration. Muscle strength tests, self-report questionnaires, and physical performance tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness of quadriceps strengthening programs. Preoperative physical therapy was found to improve quadriceps strength, knee function, functional/postural balance, and overall postoperative recovery in patients with complete ACL tears. Conclusion: Data derived from the systematic review confirm that quadriceps strengthening in preoperative physical therapy significantly improves postoperative function in athletes with complete ACL ruptures and that this benefit is enhanced when combined with muscle conditioning programs that address both lower limb strength and flexibility.