Dynamic stability drills versus plyometric training to reduce knee extension lag after ACL reconstruction
Comparative Effects of Dynamic Stability Drills and Plyometric Training on Terminal Extension Lag After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
NA · Riphah International University · NCT07578935
This trial will test whether dynamic stability drills or plyometric training better reduce terminal knee extension lag in people aged 20–40 who had ACL reconstruction 1–3 years ago.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07578935 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial will assign adults with moderate terminal extension lag after ACL reconstruction to either a program of dynamic stability drills (DSD) or a plyometric training (PT) program. Eligible participants are men and women aged 20–40 with a history of ACL reconstruction 1–3 years prior and a measured terminal extension lag of 5–10°. Interventions will be delivered at the Rabiya Noor site in Lahore and outcomes will focus on change in active knee extension and related functional measures. The trial directly compares two rehabilitation approaches commonly used in sports physical therapy to see which more effectively restores full active extension.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 20–40 years old with an ACL reconstruction performed 1–3 years ago and a moderate terminal extension lag of 5–10°, without significant comorbid knee or systemic conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with prior major knee injuries or surgeries other than the index ACL reconstruction, active infection or tumors, neurological or systemic inflammatory diseases, BMI ≥30, pregnancy, or other red-flag conditions are unlikely to qualify or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one approach is superior, it could help patients regain fuller active knee extension and improve functional recovery and return-to-activity after ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have performed: Neuromuscular and plyometric programs have shown benefits for strength, neuromuscular control, and return-to-sport after ACL injury, but direct head-to-head evidence specifically targeting terminal extension lag is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 20-40 * Both Genders (male \& female) * History of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) between 1-3 years * Moderate stage (5 to 10 ˚) of terminal extension lag after ACL reconstruction Exclusion Criteria: * Any other previously serious knee pain and/or surgery limiting of knee range of motion(2) * Any traumatic conditions around the knee, or any infectious or tumors conditions i.e. meniscus injury, fracture, dislocation or osteochondral injury * Pregnancy, any recently underwent abdominal and back surgery * BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² * Any systemic and/or neurological illness, rheumatoid arthritis, osteomyelitis, any neurological disorders, spinal disorders, obesity, Dementia, inflammatory conditions like Ankylosing spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoporosis, Diabetic neuropathy, * Red flags such as Trauma, Cancer, Constitutional Symptoms (Fever, Malaise, Weight Loss), Recent Infection, Mental retardation, Hemiparesis / Hemiplegia * Subjects with presence of any fractures * Heart/diabetic patients
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Rabiya Noor — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rabiya Noor, PhD — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Rabiya Noor, PhD
- Email: rabiya.noor@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 0334 4355660
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Sports Physical Therapy, Plyometric Exercise, Terminal Extension Lag