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NCT Number: NCT06808763

Exercise Program for Knee Recovery in Football Players with ACL Injuries

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.

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Key information

Conditions

ACL Injuries Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Knee Injuries Leg Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

King Saud University

Riyadh, 11362, Saudi Arabia

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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.

Treatment and study plan

Knee Rehabilitation Exercise Program

Other

Rehabilitation Program Description:

The rehabilitation program was designed to restore knee function and strength progressively in football players recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Key elements of the program are detailed below:

Program Components:

Session Structure:

Each session lasted 60 to 90 minutes. Sessions were performed multiple times weekly, progressively adjusted throughout the program.

Session Breakdown:

Warm-Up and Jump Exercises (Part 1):

Focused on preparing the body for physical activity and improving jump dynamics.

Dynamic Exercises (Part 2):

Included drop-jumps, side-hops, and crossover-hops for dynamic knee stabilization and balance.

Strength Exercises:

Targeted muscle groups included hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Exercises consisted of one-legged leg press, eccentric leg press, squats, one-legged squats on a balance mat, one-legged leg curls, Nordic hamstring, one-legged toe-raises, and lunge exercises.

Resistance training was i

Primary outcomes

  1. Outcome Measure: Muscle Strength of the Injured Leg

    Time frame: 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 outcomes

  1. Comparison of Injured and Uninjured Leg Strength

    Time frame: 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).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

King Saud University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of an Exercise Program on Knee Joint Rehabilitation in Football Players with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: an Experimental Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Feb 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 10, 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.

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