ACL Protocol
ACL injuries can significantly impact performance and require a structured rehabilitation approach. Early after surgery, quadriceps function may drop by up to 50%, making neuromuscular re-education and activation a top priority.
Using mTrigger biofeedback alongside strengthening exercises helps clinicians:
• Re-establish quadriceps activation early in rehab
• Improve movement quality and squat mechanics
• Maximize each contraction through real-time feedback
• Progress safely into running, cutting, and jumping
• Address asymmetries before return-to-sport training
As Russ Paine, ACL expert and mTrigger co-founder, emphasizes, "Don’t stop using mTrigger too early! You should start your sessions with mTrigger to identify the initial EMG deficit, but it is highly important to keep using mTrigger in every single session. You have to keep teaching your patients to tone and recruit slow twitch muscle fibers since they are the most affected by the atrophy.”
Submit the form below to access the full ACL protocol.
References
- Draper V. Electromyographic biofeedback and recovery of quadriceps femoris muscle function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Phys Ther. 1990;70(1):11–17.
- Christanell F, Hoser C, Huber R, et al. The influence of electromyographic biofeedback therapy on knee extension following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2012;4:41.
- Bell DR, Kulow SM, Stiffler MR, et al. Squatting mechanics in individuals with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the influence of graft type. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(12):2979–2987. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25305265/
- Queen RM, Peebles AT, Miller TK, et al. Reduction of risk factors for ACL re-injuries using an innovative biofeedback approach: rationale and design. Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2021;22:100769. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8100073/
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