Flywheel Resistance Training for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation

The IUSCA's International Journal of Strength and Conditioning is the world leading Diamond Open Access journal in S&C and Sport Science. We have recently published a new article by Michalak, M., Ryan, C., Ehlert, A., & Cronin, J. (2026). titled "Flywheel Resistance Training for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation”

Abstract

The tearing or rupturing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has become an increasingly common injury in athletes, particularly in sports that require sharp, pivoting movements and sports that have high deceleration and landing demands. Optimizing each stage of rehabilitation post ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is crucial for successful recovery and the return-to-play of an athlete. Researchers have highlighted the importance of deceleration training and the role of increased eccentric force production and the ability to attenuate rapid braking forces prior to an athletes return-to-sport. There are many training methods that can provide this eccentric overload; however, the focus of this review is on the utility of flywheel resistance training (FRT) during ACL rehabilitation. An overview of the literature that has determined the effects of FRT on ACL rehabilitation post ACLR is discussed, including the current loading parameters, and limitations of the research. A new perspectives of late-stage ACL rehabilitation with FRT is then proposed, with practical examples provided.

Click the link below to read the full article:

Flywheel Resistance Training for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation | International Journal of Strength and Conditioning

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