Which activity is introduced early in rehab?

Which activity is introduced early in rehab?

• A. Plyometrics
• B. Deep squats
• C. Unrestricted running
• D. Gait training

Answer: (D)

In rehab, getting walking back to normal is the first priority because it reestablishes basic function while protecting healing tissues. Gait training is introduced early because it directly targets how the knee and leg move during walking, rebuilds weight-bearing patterns, and helps retrain neuromuscular control of the limb. With assistive devices and guided cues, the patient learns proper stance and swing phases, knee alignment, and step mechanics, which lays a solid foundation for later strengthening and more demanding activities. Plyometrics and deep squats require greater strength, ROM, and tissue tolerance, so they’re typically reserved for later phases once gait and basic control are restored. Unrestricted running is also a higher-load activity that isn’t appropriate early, since it risks re-injury before the knee can tolerate the impact and repetitive forces.

In rehab, getting walking back to normal is the first priority because it reestablishes basic function while protecting healing tissues. Gait training is introduced early because it directly targets how the knee and leg move during walking, rebuilds weight-bearing patterns, and helps retrain neuromuscular control of the limb. With assistive devices and guided cues, the patient learns proper stance and swing phases, knee alignment, and step mechanics, which lays a solid foundation for later strengthening and more demanding activities.

Plyometrics and deep squats require greater strength, ROM, and tissue tolerance, so they’re typically reserved for later phases once gait and basic control are restored. Unrestricted running is also a higher-load activity that isn’t appropriate early, since it risks re-injury before the knee can tolerate the impact and repetitive forces.