Updated

Researchers at La Trobe University found that a four-month supervised exercise and education program improved knee health in 184 young adults recovering from ACL surgery, without damaging cartilage. The SUPER-Knee trial, led by Associate Professor Adam Culvenor, enrolled adults aged 18 to 40 who still had knee symptoms one to three years after surgery. Participants were assigned either to progressive exercise therapy or to a comparison group that received a single educational session. Those who completed the program under a physiotherapist reported less pain and better quality of life and gained muscle strength, with no sign that exercise worsened early osteoarthritis. The findings were published in Annals of Internal Medicine. A new study suggests a supervised exercise program can help protect young adults from early knee osteoarthritis after ACL surgery. About half of patients are dissatisfied with their knee health two years after surgery, and roughly half develop early signs of osteoarthritis within a decade, often before age 40. Guidelines recommend exercise with education, yet many patients do not receive it, partly because some fear exercise will damage vulnerable cartilage. Culvenor said the study showed that supervised exercise and education is safe and should be recommended. The trial did not establish whether the program prevents osteoarthritis over the long term. Ruby Cumming, who tore her ACL playing Australian rules football in 2019, said weekly supervised rehabilitation in the trial significantly improved her years of daily pain.