Return-to-sport readiness after ACL reconstruction using the peroneus longus tendon

Correlation Between Psychological Readiness, Knee Function and Isokinetic Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Observational Cairo University · NCT07201597

This project tests whether psychological readiness, self-reported knee function, and muscle strength differ between male recreational athletes who are or are not ready to return to sport 6–12 months after ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus tendon graft.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexMale
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07201597 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational case-control, cross-sectional study enrolls male recreational athletes who underwent primary unilateral ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus autograft and completed a standardized rehabilitation program. Participants attend a single evaluation visit 6–12 months after surgery and are classified as "RTS-ready" or "RTS-not-ready" based on a prespecified return-to-sport test battery performed that day. The protocol compares ACL-RSI psychological readiness scores, IKDC self-reported knee function, isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength and H/Q ratios, and measures of dynamic postural control and core endurance between groups. The goal is to identify an integrated physical and psychological profile that can better inform individualized return-to-sport decisions after this graft type.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male recreational athletes aged 18–35 who participate in cutting/jumping sports, had primary unilateral ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus autograft, completed ≥6 months of standardized rehab, and can attend a single 6–12 month postoperative evaluation.

Not a fit: Patients unlikely to benefit include those with revision or multi‑ligament reconstructions, prior ACL reconstructions, recent meniscal repair or bilateral ACL procedures, significant ongoing knee pain or limited range of motion that prevents testing, or those outside the specified age/activity criteria.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians combine psychological and physical measures to make safer, more individualized return-to-sport decisions and possibly reduce reinjury risk.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown relationships between psychological readiness and strength metrics with return-to-sport outcomes after ACL reconstruction, but combining these measures specifically after peroneus longus autograft is relatively novel and less well studied.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male recreational athletes aged 18-35 years.
* Participation in sports that involve deceleration, jumping, cutting, or turning (e.g., basketball, soccer, volleyball).
* Primary unilateral ACL injury treated with ACL reconstruction using a Peroneus Longus autograft.
* Single evaluation 6-12 months after ACL reconstruction.
* Completed a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program for ≥6 months, with near-complete rehabilitation and some level of sport participation.
* Sufficient knee confidence, no effusion/edema, full knee range of motion, and able to perform all functional tests safely.
* Able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Revision ACL reconstruction.
* Prior ACL reconstruction on the ipsilateral or contralateral knee.
* Multi-ligament knee injury.
* Concomitant meniscal repair or bilateral ACL reconstruction.
* Knee pain \> 3/10 at evaluation that prevents or impairs testing.
* Incomplete knee extension or knee flexion \< 110°.
* Lower-limb fracture or surgery within the past 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Cairo Governorate

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 Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuryAthletic InjuriesKnee InjuriesACL InjuryACL ReconstructionPeroneus Longus TendonReturn to SportPsychological Readiness
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.