Isokinetic vs Plyometric Training After ACL Reconstruction
Official title: The Effects of Isokinetic Training Versus Plyometric Training Post ACL Reconstruction
Run by Cairo University · NCT07862868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether isokinetic or plyometric training, added after standard rehab, best improves strength, function, and patient-reported outcomes in adults 18–40 after ACL reconstruction.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Qina, Qena Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07862868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–40 who have had a primary unilateral ACL reconstruction using BPTB or hamstring autografts and are cleared for progressive resistance and functional training.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with revision ACL procedures, complex concomitant knee injuries, significant cartilage disease requiring intervention, recent contralateral knee injury, or BMI above 35 kg/m² may not benefit or may be excluded from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18–40 who have had a primary unilateral ACL reconstruction are randomized to two 24-week training programs after 16 weeks of standard rehabilitation: isokinetic training versus plyometric training. The study aims to compare effects on muscular strength, functional performance, and patient-reported outcomes, with no anticipation that one method will be superior. Both groups follow the same rehabilitation before the specific training phase. The trial uses standard outcome measures relevant to return-to-sport criteria and overall knee function. This randomized comparison addresses a gap where direct, head-to-head data on these two commonly used post-ACL rehab approaches are limited.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one method proves superior, patients could receive more effective guidance for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction to improve strength and function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous evidence supports both isokinetic and plyometric training post-ACL reconstruction, but direct head-to-head randomized comparisons on comprehensive outcomes are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-40 years 2. Primary unilateral ACL reconstruction 3. Reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon (HT) autograft 4. Cleared by operating surgeon for progressive resistance and functional training 5. Able to perform full weight-bearing ambulation without assistive devices Exclusion Criteria: 1. Revision ACL reconstruction 2. Associated grade III ligament injury 3. Meniscal repair (meniscectomy is not an exclusion) 4. Concomitant chondral defect requiring surgical intervention or cartilage repair 5. Contralateral lower limb injury within the preceding 12 months 6. Body mass index (BMI) \> 35 kg/m²
Where it's running
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PTOC South Valley University
Qina, Qena Governorate, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ahmed El Melhat, PhD
- Email: ahmed.elmelhat@cu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201112595022
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Plyometric training added to standard rehab after ACL reconstruction
This study tests whether adding plyometrics to the usual rehab after ACL reconstruction helps improve leg strength and function in adults aged 18–40.
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Knee muscle strength after ACL reconstruction with quadriceps versus hamstring grafts
This study will see if using a quadriceps tendon or hamstring tendon graft leads to different early and mid-term knee muscle strength recovery in people aged 13–45 after ACL reconstruction.
-
ACL reconstruction using the Over-The-Top technique with either metal staples or soft anchors
This study tests whether using a suture-based fixation (soft anchors) during OTT ACL reconstruction works as well as metal staples for graft stability in adults aged 18–50.
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Muscle Power After ACL Reconstruction: How Knee Extensor Strength Relates to Function
This study tests whether changes in knee extensor strength and power after ACL reconstruction are linked to how well patients function in daily life, up to 24 months post-surgery.
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Sciatic nerve stimulation to help ACL reconstruction recovery
This will test whether adding needle electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve to standard physiotherapy helps people recovering from ACL reconstruction with hamstring grafts.
-
Ultrasound speckle-tracking to measure soft tissue strain and movement in rehabilitation
This project will test whether ultrasound speckle-tracking can measure how ligaments, tendons, and hamstrings stretch and move in athletes and patients recovering from injuries.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.