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NCT07268651

Proprioceptive Training for Gait and Knee Function After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Sponsor: Universiti Sains Malaysia

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is commonly performed to restore knee stability after injury, but many patients continue to experience gait abnormalities and reduced knee function during rehabilitation. Proprioceptive training is frequently included in rehabilitation programs to improve joint position sense, neuromuscular control, and movement coordination, yet its specific effects on gait performance and knee function after ACLR are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week proprioceptive training program on gait performance and knee function in patients who have undergone ACLR. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will undergo baseline assessments, including gait analysis and knee function tests. They will then participate in a structured 12-week proprioceptive training program as part of their rehabilitation, followed by post-intervention assessments using the same measures. The primary outcomes include changes in gait performance, such as walking speed, step length, cadence, support time, knee motion, and knee joint angles and moments during walking. Secondary outcomes include changes in knee function, including isokinetic muscle strength, joint position sense, and patient-reported outcomes measured by the Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire. The findings from this study may help to clarify the functional benefits of proprioceptive training and support the development of more targeted and effective rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Official title: The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Gait Performance and Knee Function in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

18 Years - 40 Years

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

Start Date

2025-12

Completion Date

2026-04

Last Updated

2025-12-08

Healthy Volunteers

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Standard Rehabilitation

A standard rehabilitation program adapted from the Massachusetts General Brigham Sports Medicine Anterior cruciate ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol. The program consists of supervised rehabilitation sessions conducted twice per week for 12 weeks. The protocol includes four progressive phases focusing on graft protection, restoration of knee range of motion, quadriceps activation, balance training, and progressive strengthening exercises. No proprioceptive training components are included in this intervention.

BEHAVIORAL

Proprioceptive Training

A structured 12-week proprioceptive training program performed in addition to standard rehabilitation. The program is adapted from validated progressive proprioceptive exercise protocols using Swiss balls and BOSU balls. Training sessions are supervised by a physiotherapist and conducted three times per week. Exercises progress through three stages (initial: weeks 1-5, intermediate: weeks 5-8, and advanced: weeks 8-12) and include balance, coordination, and neuromuscular control activities. Participants advance to the next level only when exercises can be performed with adequate balance control and without pain.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-40 years who have undergone primary unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using an autograft. * At least 3 weeks postoperatively and currently engaged in the early-stage rehabilitation phase following ACLR. * Demonstrate near-full passive knee extension (≤ 5° loss) and at least 90° of passive knee flexion in the operated limb. * Able to walk independently without assistive devices and perform basic functional tasks (e.g., normal walking, single-leg stance). * No prior surgery or major injury to the contralateral knee or other lower limb joints. * No neurological, vestibular, or systemic conditions affecting proprioception, motor control, or physical performance. * Not currently participating in any structured proprioceptive or neuromuscular training programs. * Willing and able to comply with the intervention protocol and follow-up, and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of revision anterior cruciate ligament surgery, bilateral ACLR, or concurrent reconstruction of other knee ligaments (e.g., posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament) in the affected knee. * Meniscal repair or other intra-articular procedures that restrict knee range of motion beyond 3 weeks postoperatively. * Diagnosed osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other chronic joint diseases affecting the lower limbs. * Significant injury, surgery, or persistent pain in the contralateral knee, hip, ankle, or spine that could interfere with training or gait. * History or current diagnosis of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease) or vestibular dysfunction. * Any cardiopulmonary or systemic condition that contraindicates structured physical exercise. * Participation in other structured rehabilitation or proprioceptive training programs within the past 3 weeks. * Cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with understanding instructions or complying with the protocol.

Locations (1)

Leshan Vocational College

Leshan, Sichuan, China