KEA vs Towel for Early Quad Activation Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Launched by JOUF UNIVERSITY · Jun 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new device called the Knee Extensors Activation (KEA) to see if it helps people recover muscle strength faster after surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The ACL is an important ligament that helps keep your knee stable, and surgery to fix it often requires careful rehabilitation to rebuild the strength of the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh. This study will compare the KEA device to the usual method, which uses a rolled towel, to find out if the KEA device improves muscle activation, reduces pain, and helps patients feel more confident moving their knee within the first five days after surgery.

Adults between 18 and 45 years old who are having their first ACL surgery on one knee may be eligible to join. Participants will start simple muscle-strengthening exercises the day after surgery, using either the KEA device or a rolled towel to support their knee during these exercises. They will perform specific knee extension movements twice a day for five days. On the fifth day, researchers will measure muscle activity and ask participants to complete questionnaires about their knee function, pain levels, and feelings about moving their knee. This study is not yet recruiting but aims to find better ways to help people recover quickly and safely after ACL surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18 to 45 years
• • Undergoing primary unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (any graft type, any surgical technique)
• • Able and willing to participate in postoperative rehabilitation
• • Able to provide written informed consent
• • Able to comply with study procedures and complete the 5-day inpatient exercise program
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Bilateral knee surgeries (e.g., simultaneous ACL reconstruction on both knees)
• • Significant neuromuscular disorders that may affect rehabilitation or EMG readings
• • Cognitive impairment that would interfere with understanding or performing exercises
• • History of major lower limb surgery within the past year (excluding the current ACL surgery)
• • Concomitant injuries requiring extensive repair (e.g., complex ligament reconstructions beyond minor meniscal or collateral work)
• • Any medical condition or postoperative complication that would prevent safe participation in the exercise program