In _[Effects of technique variations on knee biomechanics during the squat and leg press][1]_(also available [here][2] for free), the authors found that "no ACL forces were produced for any exercise variation" of the squat or leg press, and that "the lack of ACL forces implies that all exercises [squats and leg presses] may be effective during ACL rehabilitation".
In Effects of technique variations on knee biomechanics during the squat and leg press (also available here for free), the authors found that "no ACL forces were produced for any exercise variation" of the squat or leg press, and that "the lack of ACL forces implies that all exercises [squats and leg presses] may be effective during ACL rehabilitation".
From _[A three-dimensional biomechanical analysis of sumo and conventional style deadlifts][4]_:> Because the deadlift is considered a closed kinetic chain exercise>(23), it can also be employed in knee rehabilitation programs, such as> after anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction. Numerous> studies have already shown that the squat is an effective exercise> during ACL rehabilitation(11,15,20,22,25,26,29). Because the deadlift> is performed in a similar manner as the squat, it is hypothesized that> the deadlift may provide similar benefits during ACL rehabilitation.> The moderate to high hamstring activity that has been reported during> the deadlift(28) may help protect the ACL during knee rehabilitation.> However, which deadlift style would be most effective in knee
From A three-dimensional biomechanical analysis of sumo and conventional style deadlifts:
> rehabilitation has not yet been established.Because the deadlift is considered a closed kinetic chain exercise (23), it can also be employed in knee rehabilitation programs, such as after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Numerous studies have already shown that the squat is an effective exercise during ACL rehabilitation (11,15,20,22,25,26,29). Because the deadlift is performed in a similar manner as the squat, it is hypothesized that the deadlift may provide similar benefits during ACL rehabilitation. The moderate to high hamstring activity that has been reported during the deadlift (28) may help protect the ACL during knee rehabilitation. However, which deadlift style would be most effective in knee rehabilitation has not yet been established.
(You didn't ask about leg extensions, but jp2code suggested them, so I'm correcting that here.)
(You didn't ask about leg extensions, but jp2code suggested them, so I'm correcting that here.)
Later on in recovery, inclusion of leg extensions can assist in regaining quadricep strength and an earlier return to sport (from Closed kinetic chain alone compared to combined open and closed kinetic chain exercises for quadriceps strengthening after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with respect to return to sports: a prospective matched follow-up studyClosed kinetic chain alone compared to combined open and closed kinetic chain exercises for quadriceps strengthening after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with respect to return to sports: a prospective matched follow-up study), but the authors of that study agree that unrestricted open kinetic chain exercises could put too much strain on the ACL and suggest a wait until 6 weeks and only include them under controlled conditions.
Here's a less scholarly reference that gives a good summary of the forces on the ACL during squatting and leg extensions: To Squat or Not to Squat