Physiotherapy and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Enhance Functional Recovery After Meniscus Repair in a Basketball Player

Abstract

Basketball involves complex and intense movements such as jumping, pivoting, and cutting. These activities impose significant mechanical loads on the knee joint, increasing the risk of meniscus tears. Meniscus repair is highly recommended to prevent early osteoarthritis, but the postoperative period often leads to clinical impairments that require structured physiotherapy. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of comprehensive physiotherapy management in a basketball player after right meniscus repair surgery on knee function recovery. This study utilized a descriptive qualitative method with a case report design and a single-subject pre-test and post-test approach. The subject was a 14-year-old male basketball player diagnosed with sub-acute postoperative right meniscus repair (9th week). The 4-week intervention program included Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), strengthening exercises, balance training, and core stability exercises. Clinical parameters were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), goniometer, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), anthropometry (midline), and the Barthel Index. After 4 weeks of therapy, the results showed a reduction in motion pain intensity (from score 3 to 2) and tenderness (from score 4 to 2), an increase in the right knee flexion range of motion (ROM) from 110° to 120°, and a decrease in thigh (quadriceps) muscle atrophy. Muscle strength remained stable at an MMT score of 4, and the patient's daily functional activity level remained optimally independent (Barthel Index score of 100). In conclusion, a structured exercise-based rehabilitation program combined with NMES is effective in reducing pain, increasing ROM, improving muscle atrophy, and maintaining the patient's initial functional ability toward a safe return to sport.

Keywords: meniscus repair; basketball; physiotherapy; structured rehabilitation; neuromuscular electrical stimulation