Metabolic Training Intervention using cycle ergometer after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Recontraction —Case report of an international-level Japanese female futsal player—

Abstract

　　This is a case study of an international-level Japanese female futsal player who underwent progressive metabolic training after left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Metabolic training was designed to maintain and improve aerobic and anaerobic capacities, and conducted in parallel with rehabilitation of the affected area from 3 months after the reconstruction surgery. At 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11 months postoperatively, a cycle incremental test was performed to assess aerobic capacity, and at 7 and 11 months postoperatively, a load-velocity cycle test was performed to assess anaerobic capacity. The player returned to competition at 10 months postoperatively with increased aerobic and anaerobic capacities due to the training program. The results suggest that metabolic training using a cycle ergometer is beneficial as a way to improve metabolic capacity required for return to sport while minimizing mechanical stress on the knee joint after ACL reconstruction.