EFFECT OF ISOKINETIC EXERCISES TO RESTORE MUSCLE STRENGTH AND FUNCTIONAL BALANCE AFTER KNEE INJURIES IN SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstrak

Rehabilitation is an essential component of universal health coverage, along with promoting good health, preventing disease, and providing treatment and care. Rehabilitation helps individuals enjoy maximum independence in daily activities and other sports. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of injury. The research problem is highlighted by the fact that knee injuries, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injuries, lead to loss of muscle strength and imbalance in the affected limb compared to the healthy limb. This increases the risk of re-injury and delays return to sports activity. The study aims to identify the effect of an isokinetic exercise program on increasing muscle strength in the injured knee and to evaluate the program's impact on improving functional balance and mobility. The strength was compared between the injured knee and the healthy limb before and after the program. The researcher used an experimental approach due to its suitability and the nature of the research problem, relying on pre- and post-test measurements. The research sample was selected purposively, selecting 12 players aged 18–30 years who had undergone initial treatment for their injury and were able to participate in the functional rehabilitation program. The sample was divided into two groups, a control and an experimental group, each consisting of 6 players. The experimental group underwent a rehabilitation program using isokinetic exercises under the supervision of a sports rehabilitation specialist, with the aim of measuring the program's effect on muscle strength and functional balance of the injured knee. The control group underwent a rehabilitation program without isokinetic exercises. The research results showed that the use of isokinetic exercises contributed effectively to improving the muscle strength of the anterior and posterior thigh muscles compared to the control group that used the traditional program. The rehabilitation program contributed to a significant improvement in the knee's range of motion after a period of (4) weeks of training, indicating the effectiveness of isokinetic exercises in restoring joint flexibility.