Pre-surgery strength program for adults with ACL tears
Comparison of Two Programs Delivered During Rehabilitation Before an Anteriror Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction : a Randomised Controlled Trial K-POP
This project will test whether a 9-week progressive resistance training program before ACL reconstruction can increase knee muscle strength and size in adults waiting for surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nantes University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nantes) |
| Trial ID | NCT07411625 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults awaiting ACL reconstruction are randomly assigned to a 9-week progressive resistance training program or to usual preoperative exercises delivered in outpatient rehabilitation clinics. The resistance program uses three progressive 3-week blocks with exercises performed close to failure to increase knee extensor and flexor maximal strength and induce hypertrophy. The trial recruits patients scheduled for ACLR at least 10 weeks out who have a medical prescription for prehabilitation and can attend one of the participating clinics. Primary aims are to increase muscle strength and volume prior to surgery to optimize postoperative recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with a first-time ACL tear scheduled for ACL reconstruction at least 10 weeks later, with a prescription for prehabilitation and the ability to attend one of the participating clinics.
Not a fit: People with prior ACL reconstructions, surgery scheduled sooner than 10 weeks, significant knee range-of-motion limitations, medical contraindications to high-load resistance training, or who cannot attend the participating clinics are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase knee muscle strength and size before surgery, which may speed postoperative recovery and improve functional outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous prehabilitation studies have produced modest preoperative gains in strength and function, but evidence is mixed and high-load, hypertrophy-focused preoperative programs are less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being over 18 years * A first episode of an ACL injury * An ACLR scheduled at least 10 weeks later, with a surgical technique using hamstring, gracilis, or quadriceps/patellar tendon autograft * A minimum passive range of motion of the knee between 10° of extension deficit, and 80° of flexion * A medical prescription for prehabilitation * Possibility to attend prehabilitation program and post-ACLR rehabilitation in one of the 15 clinics
Where this trial is running
Nantes
- University Hospital - Laboratoire "Motricité, Interactions, Performance" (UR 4334) — Nantes, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Antoine FROUIN
- Email: Antoine.Frouin1@univ-nantes.fr
- Phone: +33 02 53 48 28 35
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.