MEN
The Men's Magazine

The Times Real Estate

.
Men Magazine

.


Australians have the highest rates of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) knee injuries worldwide, and young Australians are most at risk, with a 74% increase in knee surgery in people under 25 since 2000. Half the people who’ve had a knee reconstruction develop knee arthritis in their 30s, which means a less active lifestyle and potentially even a knee replacement in middle-age.

La Trobe University researcher Dr Brooke Patterson, a former basketballer and AFLW footballer, is driven by her own ACL injury to prevent the rise of this crippling condition and keep people playing sport for longer.

“Most people stop going to the physio about 6 to 12 months after knee surgery, but that’s too soon: our research showed that about a third of people still have pain and restricted movement after a year,” says Brooke. “As pros, we get plenty of support from physios, but players at all levels deserve better rehab and injury prevention.”

The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body, and the ACL is like a rope connecting your shin bone to your thigh bone. It’s just 3cm long, but with the help of your muscles it keeps your knee stable. ACL injuries accelerate the development of osteoarthritis because the injury changes how the knee works, and the trauma affects the cartilage and other knee tissues.

The researchers designed an exercise programme focused on the lower leg, to do at home or in the gym three times a week, which built knee strength with heavy leg weights, jumping and agility exercises. It was supported by education on injury prevention and the risk of arthritis.

“Exercise therapy and education is how we treat older people with arthritis, but researchers had never asked whether similar interventions could work for young people,” says Brooke. “Almost every person who completed our new program said they had less pain and better quality of life.”

The study shows the importance of long term rehab focused strength and functional goals, rather than physio that runs to a set timeline. Randall Cooper, former physiotherapist for the Hawthorn Football Club and creator of the Melbourne ACL Rehab Guide, says you don’t have to be an athlete to see the benefits of a regular strength routine.

“Weekend warriors need to think about strength and conditioning just like elite footballers, especially after injury,” says Randall. “Regular workouts focused on strengthening joints and supporting old injuries is critical in keeping your body functioning well and preventing arthritis symptoms.”

The first phase of the study was a small proof of concept trial for 27 people with persistent knee symptoms after surgery. The research team is now looking ahead to a large-scale trial

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment: The Must-Have Skin Saviour this Winter

Winter is well and truly here. The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and heaters are being brought out of stora...

Worried about hair loss? Here are 6 things all men should know to combat it

Approximately half of all men experience male-pattern baldness over the age of 40.[1] This form of balding, known as androgene...

RENPHO Releases AI Smart Bike

RENPHO, a global leader in designing smart products for healthy living, has launched the RENPHO AI Smart Bike nationwide in Aus...

How Rollators Are Empowering Older Australians to Stay Active and Social

As we get older, moving around can get a bit harder—but that doesn’t mean we have to stop doing the things we love. Rollators (those handy walkers with wheels and a seat) are helping more and more o...

First-Time Moving? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Removalists

Moving gives everyone a chance to make a fresh start, but hiring removalists for the first time can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, selecting the right one can make the whole proc...