Exercise Program for Knee Recovery in Football Players with ACL Injuries

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: ACL Injuries

• Registration Number: NCT06808763
• Lead Sponsor: King Saud University

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured exercise program in improving knee function, muscle strength, and range of motion in football players recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The study seeks to answer whether a rehabilitation program can restore the performance of the injured leg to levels comparable to the uninjured leg and significantly improve knee functionality over time.

Detailed Description

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and challenging injuries faced by athletes, particularly football players. These injuries can significantly impact knee stability, muscle strength, and range of motion, making effective rehabilitation essential for a full recovery and return to sports.

This study investigates the impact of a structured exercise program on knee rehabilitation in male football players aged 18-22 years with ACL injuries. The goal is to understand whether this program can restore knee function and strength in the injured leg to levels comparable to the uninjured leg.

The rehabilitation program is designed to be implemented over 22 weeks, starting with five sessions per week and tapering to three sessions per week in the later stages. The program focuses on progressively strengthening the thigh and leg muscles, improving knee flexibility, and enhancing overall joint function.

The study uses a pre- and post-measurement experimental design with a single group of participants. The results will help determine whether structured exercise programs can effectively rehabilitate the knee after ACL injuries, enabling football players to regain performance and reduce the risk of future knee problems.

The findings will contribute valuable insights for sports medicine professionals, physiotherapists, and trainers in developing evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for athletes.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-01-24
• Primary Completion: 2024-07-28
• Study Completion: 2024-08-01
• Status Verified: 2025-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-01-21
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-01-29
• Study First Posted: 2025-02-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-05
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 9

Inclusion Criteria

• Confirmed injury to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
• Currently active in playing football.

Exclusion Criteria

• History of previous surgery to the knee.
• Presence of other musculoskeletal injuries.
• Diagnosis of chronic health conditions.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Outcome Measure: Muscle Strength of the Injured Leg	22 weeks	Outcome Measure: Muscle Strength of the Injured Leg Description: Improvement in muscle strength of the injured leg, specifically targeting hamstrings and quadriceps.; Method of Measurement: Measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/second angular velocity.; Unit of Measure: Peak torque (Newton-meters, Nm).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Comparison of Injured and Uninjured Leg Strength	22 weeks	Outcome Measure: Comparison of Injured and Uninjured Leg Strength; * Description: Change in the strength discrepancy between the injured and uninjured legs.; * Method of Measurement: Measured via isokinetic testing.; * Unit of Measure: Percentage difference in peak torque between the legs.; * Time Frame: Baseline, mid-program (11 weeks), and post-program (22 weeks).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

King Saud University; 🇸🇦 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia