Exergames to improve Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Systematic review and GRADE evidence synthesis

Introduction: Exergames are a fun, engaging, and interactive form of exercise that has been used in rehabilitation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of exergames compared to usual rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Method: We performed a Systematic Review and GRADE evidence synthesis. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. MEDLINE (R) (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL (R) (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) were searched from their first record to May 2021. Randomised controlled trials using exergames as an intervention were included. Results: Initial literature searches yielded 794 non-duplicated records. After exclusion based on title, abstract, and full text review, five articles were included for analysis. Compared with the control group, the participants in the exergames group showed differences in proprioception and flexion angle difference. Conclusion: Although there is no conclusive evidence that favours exergames over traditional rehabilitation, they did not aggravate the effects of rehabilitation. Nonetheless, exergames can be safe and motivating.