ACL Injuries
Conditions
Keywords
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury, Knee Rehabilitation, Muscle Strength, Range of Motion
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.
Interventions
OTHERKnee Rehabilitation Exercise Program
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
Sponsors
King Saud University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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). |
Countries
Saudi Arabia
Outcome results
None listed