Home-based rehabilitation program for knee recovery after ligament surgery

Effectiveness of the KC@H Programme Compared With Clinic-based Rehabilitation in Patients Recovering From Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Study Protocol for a Single-centre, Randomised Controlled Superiority Trial.

NA · University of Évora · NCT05828355

This study tests whether a home-based rehab program with online exercises can help people recover better after knee ligament surgery compared to traditional clinic visits.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Évora (other)
Locations1 site (Évora)
Trial IDNCT05828355 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based rehabilitation approach for patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared to traditional clinic-based rehabilitation. It includes internet-based therapeutic exercises that patients can perform at home, potentially improving access to rehabilitation services. The study will measure patient-reported outcomes, clinician-reported outcomes, and physical performance metrics to assess the program's impact on recovery. A randomized controlled trial design will be employed to ensure robust results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have undergone primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and have a healthy opposite knee.

Not a fit: Patients with significant lower limb injuries, mental health disorders requiring medication, or severe communication or balance impairments may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance recovery outcomes for patients undergoing knee ligament surgery by providing more accessible rehabilitation options.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using home-based rehabilitation approaches for similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergone primary ACLR regardless of surgical method and choice of autograft.
* Have a healthy contralateral (opposite) knee.
* The time between ACL injury and ACLR should not exceed 12 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Declined to participate.
* Concomitant osteochondral injuries.
* Undergone multiple reconstructions of the lateral collateral ligament or posterior cruciate ligament.
* Significant lower limb injuries within the 12 months before the ACL injury.
* Medical conditions that may affect recovery.
* Using medication for mental health disorders.
* Severe impairments in communication or balance.

Where this trial is running

Évora

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Patient-reported Outcomes Measures, Clinician-reported Outcomes Measures, Functional Performance, Clinical Relevance, Internet-based Intervention, Exercise Therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.