Effect of Graft Type on Knee Muscle Strength After ACL Reconstruction

NCT07523854 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FTREK25/175
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This prospective observational study will compare recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft or hamstring tendon autograft. The main goal is to examine differences in knee muscle strength recovery during the early and mid-term postoperative period. Participants aged 13 to 45 years who undergo unilateral ACL reconstruction and meet the eligibility criteria will be followed at Hacettepe University. Knee extensor and flexor strength will be assessed using isometric testing at postoperative weeks 4, 8, and 12 and month 6, and with isokinetic concentric testing at months 3 and 6. Functional outcomes and kinesiophobia will also be evaluated at month 6 using IKDC, KOOS, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. All participants will receive the same standard postoperative rehabilitation program under physiotherapist supervision. The study aims to clarify whether graft type is associated with different patterns of muscle strength recovery and functional improvement after ACL reconstruction

Conditions

Strength Outcomes; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Surgery; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation

Keywords

ACL reconstruction; quadriceps tendon autograft; hamstring tendon autograft; knee muscle strength; rehabilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Isometric Quadriceps Muscle Strengt

  Maximum voluntary isometric quadriceps strength measured with an IsoMed 2000 dynamometer at 60° of knee flexion. The highest value from 3 maximal 5-second contractions will be recorded and normalized to body weight (Nm/kg).

  Postoperative weeks 4, 8, and 12, and month 6

• Isometric Hamstring Muscle Strength

  Maximum voluntary isometric hamstring strength measured with an IsoMed 2000 dynamometer at 60° of knee flexion. The highest value from 3 maximal 5-second contractions will be recorded and normalized to body weight (Nm/kg)

  Postoperative weeks 4, 8, and 12, and month 6

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Concentric Quadriceps- Hamstring Peak Torque at 60°/s and 180°/s

  Postoperative months 3 and 6

• Limb Symmetry Index

  Postoperative months 3 and 6

• International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form Score

  Postoperative month 6

• Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score

  Postoperative month 6

• Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Score

  Postoperative month 6

Study Arms (2)

Quadriceps Tendon Autograft

Participants who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft and were followed prospectively with standardized rehabilitation and serial strength assessments.

Hamstring Tendon Autograft

Participants who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and were followed prospectively with standardized rehabilitation and serial strength assessments.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 13 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants will be patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either quadriceps tendon autograft or hamstring tendon autograft who are referred by an orthopedist to the Hacettepe University Sports Health Unit, meet the eligibility criteria, and provide voluntary consent

You may qualify if:

• Age 13 to 45 years
• Undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with either hamstring tendon autograft or quadriceps tendon autograft
• Unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury
• Complete ACL tear with accompanying minimal collateral ligament injury and first-degree meniscal tear
• Tegner Activity Score of 5 or higher
• Willingness to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft or allograft
• Revision surgery
• Systemic or neurological disease
• Multiple ligament injuries
• Grade III lateral or medial collateral ligament tear or significant articular cartilage lesion
• Failure to regularly attend the rehabilitation program during the first 3 postoperative months
• History of lower extremity injury in the contralateral limb within the last 12 months
• Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, history of deep vein thrombosis, neurological disease, systemic inflammation, diabetes, cancer, or obesity

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hacettepe University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hacettepe University

Ankara, 06100, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Central Study Contacts

Volga Bayrakci Tunay Bayrakci Tunay, Phd

CONTACT

+90 532 354 7626; volgamel@yahoo.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 5, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: January 23, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 25, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): February 25, 2027
• Last Updated: April 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)