Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Page 5 – Strength
Maximal strength training is a key stage of rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and focuses on improving the body’s ability to produce maximal force. Strength is developed through fundamental movement patterns such as squats, hinges and lunges, which challenge the muscles of the hips and legs in a functional and progressive way. Building high levels of strength is essential for returning to sport safely, as it improves the knee’s ability to tolerate the high forces involved in running, cutting and jumping activities. Adequate strength has also been linked to a reduced risk of re-injury, improved long-term joint health and a lower likelihood of developing osteoarthritis following ACL surgery. Beyond rehabilitation, strength training provides important general health benefits, including improved bone density, muscle mass, metabolic health and overall physical resilience.
Level 5: Strength
Minimum 6 weeks and to be continued indefinitely
‘Muscular strength is the maximum force a muscle or muscle group can generate in a single effort against a resistance, essentially your ability to produce peak force in one contraction, like lifting the heaviest weight possible once (1RM).’(ACSM & ESSA -2025)
Why do we pick the exercises we do?
Squat Variations
Back Box Squat
Leg Press
Back Squat
Front Squat
Back Squat
Hinge Variations
Deadlift
Conventional Deadlift
RDL
Hip Thrust
Lunge variations
Weighted Lunges
Barbell Split Squat
Barbell Reverse Lunge
Single Leg Stand
Single Leg RDL
Single Leg Press
Bulgarian Split Squat