Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT06756815

Cross Bracing Protocol With And Without Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Training in Athletes

ACL Injury is a severe injury for athletes, which frequently results in functional limits and a higher likelihood of re-injury. Although bracing regimens are frequently used in rehabilitation, their ability to restore functional movements after an ACL Injury is still uncertain. Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) training, which targets the core and proprioception, has emerged as a viable method for enhancing motor control and decreasing knee instability. The objective of this study is to examine the synergistic impact of cross bracing and DNS training on the functional movements of athletes who have recently experienced an ACL Injury .

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to study the effects of different interventions on athletes with acute ACL Injury. The participants will be divided into two groups: (A= control group) Cross bracing with conservative treatment, (B= Treatment group) Cross bracing + DNS training with conservative treatment. Both groups will engage in targeted exercises that aim to activate the core, improve proprioception, and enhance movement patterns. The participants' functional movements will be assessed at the beginning of the study and 6 weeks later using established questionnaire such as International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score - assesses knee function and symptoms, Landing error scoring system (LESS), Y Balance (YB), Functional movement screening (FMS) Statistical analysis will be performed to compare the functional performance and neuromuscular parameters between the groups in order to determine the most effective intervention for restoring movement quality after ACL Injury .

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

PSRD

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

About this study

The study's emphasis on cross bracing protocol and DNS training is warranted due to the necessity of investigating non-invasive and conservative therapy methods that have the ability to improve functional movements in athletes with ACL Injury . Cross bracing is frequently employed to offer external reinforcement and enhance stability to the knee joint subsequent to an ACL damage, whereas DNS training concentrates on reconditioning the neuromuscular system to enhance movement patterns and motor control. The study seeks to provide significant insights into the most effective rehabilitation regimens for athletes with acute ACL Injury by evaluating the effects of two therapies. The ultimate goal is to enhance their functional results and long-term sports performance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male and Female
  • Age: 18-30 years.
  • Mentally and verbally capable of participating in the study.
  • Positive Lachman Test
  • Diagnosis of acute ACL Injury with grade 1 and 2 through MRI or arthroscopy.

Exclusion criteria

  • Inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy or active malignancy.
  • Neurological disorder or systemic disease.
  • Previous surgery on the affected knee.
  • Meniscal tear or articular cartilage damage requiring surgical repair

Treatment and study plan

Cross bracing and conservative treatment

Other

Week Exercise Training Frequency (sets x reps) Week 1-2 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. Quad Sets 3. Straight Leg Raise 4. Ankle Pumps 5. Heel and Toe Raises 6. Glute Bridge 2 sets x 10 reps Week 3-4 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. Hamstring Curls 3. Step-ups 4. Mini Squats (with support) 5. Leg Press 6. Lateral Leg Raises 3 sets x 12 reps Week 5-6 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. Single-leg Balance (with support) 3. Lunges (with proper technique) 4. Squats (bodyweight) 5. Box Jumps 6. Lateral Step-ups 3 sets x 15 reps

Other names: • Landing Error Scoring System, • International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, • Functional Movement Screening

Cross bracing and DNS with conservative treatment

Other

Week Exercise Training Frequency (sets x reps) Week 1-2

  • Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds)
  • DNS Core Activation (supine, prone positions)
  • Quad Sets
  • Straight Leg Raise
  • Ankle Pumps
  • Heel and Toe Raises
  • Glute Bridge 2 sets x 10 reps Week 3-4
  • Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. DNS Core Stabilization (advanced activation) 3. Hamstring Curls 4. Step-ups 5. Mini Squats 6. Leg Press 7. Lateral Leg Raises 8. Pelvic Tilts 3 sets x 12 reps Week 5-6
  • Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds)
  • DNS Dynamic Stabilization (with resistance)
  • Single-leg Balance (with and without support)
  • Lunges (with added resistance)
  • Squats (bodyweight or weighted)
  • Box Jumps
  • Lateral Step-ups
  • Running Drills (if tolerated) 3 sets x 15 reps

Primary outcomes

  1. International Knee Documentation Committee score

    Time frame: 6 week

    The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form is a patient-oriented questionnaire that assesses symptoms and function in daily living activities. The purpose of this study was to validate the IKDC Subjective Knee Form in a large patient population with various knee disorders. It contains sections on knee symptoms (7 items), function (2 items), and sports activities (2 items). Scores range from 0 points (lowest level of function or highest level of symptoms) to 100 points (highest level of function and lowest level of symptoms). The overall IKDC score showed acceptable test-retest reliability with an interclass correlation of 0.95.

  2. Landing Error Scoring System

    Time frame: 6 week

    The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a clinical tool often used in research and practice to identify athletes presenting high injury-risk biomechanical patterns during a jump-landing task. It is used to identify the risk of non-contact injuries during jumping and landing movements. It assesses 9 landing concepts and has 17 questions which are scored out of 19 points. Interrater reliability (ICC2, 1) for the LESS-RT ranged from .72 to .81 with standard error of measurements ranging from .69 to .79.

  3. Y- Balance Test

    Time frame: 6 week

    The Y Balance Test was developed as a test of dynamic postural control and has been shown to be predictive of lower-extremity injury. It can be used for both the upper quarter and lower quarter. The YBT for the lower quarter (LQYBT) has been thoroughly researched as its protocol is based on research done on the Star Excursion Balance Test. The Star Excursion Balance Test demonstrated reliable results on its ability to predict LE injury in high school basketball players. The YBT has proven to have very good levels of interrater test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.80 - 0.85)

  4. Functional Movement Screening

    Time frame: 6 week

    The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is utilized by professional and collegiate sports teams and the military for the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. The FMS is a tool used to identify asymmetries which result in functional movement deficiencies. The FMS aims to identify imbalances in mobility and stability during seven fundamental movement patterns. ICC values of 0.90-0.99 indicated excellent reliability, 0.80-0.89 indicated good reliability, 0.70-0.79 indicated fair reliability, and 0-0.69 indicated poor reliability.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Cross Bracing Protocol With And Without Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Training on Functional Movements in Athletes With Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jan 3, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.