Conventional rehabilitation with or without digital therapy to restore quadriceps activation after ACL reconstruction

Comparison of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI) After ACL Reconstruction in Patients With Conventional Rehabilitation or Conventional Rehabilitation Combined With Digital Therapy

Not applicable Interventional GCS Ramsay Santé pour l'Enseignement et la Recherche · NCT07030764

This trial tests whether adding a smartphone-based digital therapy to standard physiotherapy helps adults recovering from ACL reconstruction overcome quadriceps muscle inhibition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment448 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGCS Ramsay Santé pour l'Enseignement et la Recherche Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lyon, France)
Trial IDNCT07030764 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for primary ACL reconstruction at a single center in Lyon are enrolled and assigned to receive either conventional physiotherapy alone or conventional physiotherapy combined with a digital therapy platform (DOCT'UP) delivered via smartphone. The program targets arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) to improve voluntary quadriceps activation, adherence to exercises, and functional recovery. Outcomes will include measures of muscle activation, strength, functional performance, and adherence over the rehabilitation period. Participation requires French language ability, smartphone and internet access, and no prior ipsi- or contralateral knee surgery or multi-ligament injury.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) scheduled for primary ACL reconstruction who speak French, have a smartphone and internet access, and can perform supervised physical exercise are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with residual AMI, prior knee surgery, multi-ligament injuries, contraindications to exercise, cognitive problems, no internet/smartphone access, pregnancy, or legal protection status are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding digital therapy could help patients regain quadriceps strength faster and shorten rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Digital rehabilitation programs have improved adherence and functional outcomes in other orthopedic settings, but direct evidence specifically targeting AMI after ACL reconstruction is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient, male or female, aged ≥ 18 years
* Patient with a scheduled primary ACL reconstruction
* Patient with a smartphone and able to use a mobile application on a smartphone
* Patient affiliated to or benefiting from a social security scheme
* French-speaking patient who has signed an informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with residual AMI
* Patient with previous ipsi or contralateral knee surgery
* Patient with a multi-ligament injury
* Patient with contraindications to physical exercise: severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled metabolic disease
* Patients with cognitive problems
* Patient without internet access
* Patient taking part in another study
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* Protected patient: adult under guardianship, curatorship or other legal protection, deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision

Where this trial is running

Lyon, France

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.