Effectiveness of a Digital Prehabilitation Programme Before ACL Reconstruction
1 other identifier
interventional
60
0 countries
N/A
Brief Summary
Background Prehabilitation prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been shown to improve preoperative knee function, enhance quadriceps strength, and optimize postoperative recovery. However, access to supervised prehabilitation programmes remains limited. Digital health interventions may improve accessibility, adherence, and continuity of care. Objective To determine whether a structured digital prehabilitation programme is more effective than usual care in improving quadriceps strength and functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction. Methods/design This study is a single-centre, parallel-group, assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial. Adult participants scheduled for primary ACL reconstruction will be randomly allocated to either a usual care group or a digital prehabilitation group. The intervention group will complete a 4-week structured digital prehabilitation programme prior to surgery. Outcomes will be assessed preoperatively and up to 12 weeks postoperatively. Expected Results The digital prehabilitation programme is expected to improve preoperative knee status and enhance postoperative quadriceps strength and functional recovery compared to usual care.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable
Started Sep 2026
Shorter than P25 for not_applicable
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
June 1, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
June 11, 2026
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
September 15, 2026
ExpectedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
October 15, 2026
Study Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
December 31, 2026
June 11, 2026
June 1, 2026
1 month
June 1, 2026
June 8, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Quadriceps Isometric Strength
Maximum isometric quadriceps strength measured in seated position at 90° knee flexion. Three repetitions will be recorded, and the highest value will be used
12 weeks postoperative
Secondary Outcomes (6)
Knee Extension Range of Motion
Baseline and preoperative (prior to surgery)
Knee Pain Intensity
Up to 12 weeks postoperative
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)
Up to 12 weeks postoperative
Single Leg Hop Distance
Up to 12 weeks postoperative
Pain Catastrophizing
Up to 12 weeks postoperative
- +1 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (2)
Control Arm: Usual Care
ACTIVE COMPARATORParticipants receive standard preoperative advice without a structured prehabilitation program
Experimental Arm: Digital Prehabilitation Programme. Knee Care@Home Programme
EXPERIMENTALParticipants will complete a structured 4-week digital prehabilitation programme prior to ACL reconstruction, including: Range of motion exercises Strength training (quadriceps, hamstrings, hip musculature) Neuromuscular and balance training Patient education (surgery, recovery expectations) Lifestyle optimization (pain management, nutrition, emotional support) Frequency: 3 sessions per week Duration: 10-20 minutes per session Delivery mode: Digital platform with guided sessions and remote supervision. Knee Care@Home Programme
Interventions
Participants in the intervention group will undergo a structured 4-week digital prehabilitation programme prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.The programme includes:- Range of motion exercises targeting knee extension and flexion- Strength training focusing on quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip musculature- Neuromuscular and balance training- Patient education on surgical procedure, postoperative expectations, and recovery process- Lifestyle optimisation advice including pain management, nutrition, and emotional supportThe intervention will be delivered through a digital platform with guided exercise sessions and remote supervision.Frequency: 3 sessions per weekDuration: approximately 10-20 minutes per sessionThe programme aims to optimise preoperative knee function, improve quadriceps strength, and enhance postoperative recovery outcomes.
Participants in the control group will receive standard preoperative care, which may include general advice and routine clinical follow-up, but no structured prehabilitation programme.Participants will not receive a supervised or digital exercise intervention prior to surgery.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Adults 18-55 years
- Diagnosed ACL rupture
- Scheduled for primary ACL reconstruction
- Waiting ≥4 weeks before surgery
You may not qualify if:
- Multiligament injury
- Severe comorbidities
- Previous ACL surgery same knee
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- Alejandro Caña Pinolead
- University of Extremaduracollaborator
- University of Évoracollaborator
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Purpose
- PREVENTION
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Investigator
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
June 1, 2026
First Posted
June 11, 2026
Study Start (Estimated)
September 15, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
October 15, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
December 31, 2026
Last Updated
June 11, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-06