A Prehab Strengthening Program Prior to ACL Surgery on Lower Limb Structure and Function

The Effects of a Lower Limb Strengthening Training Program During Prehabilitation Prior to ACL Surgery on Lower Limb Structure and Function : a Randomized Clinical Trial

Atrophy and weakness are ubiquitous after a ACL rupture and associated with a worsened long-term recovery of individual capacities, despite surgery and rehabilitation. Preoperative rehabilitation (prehab) is believed to prepare patients for surgery and post-operative rehabilitation. However, prehab programs are highly variable, and do not always aim to develop/maintain neuromuscular parameters.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a lower limb strengthening training program during prehab prior to ACL Surgery on lower limb structure and function.

Recruited participants will be randomly allocated to one of the three groups of participants constituted in this study.

The two first groups will receive prehabilitation prior to ACL reconstruction (differing in program type). All participants will receive standardized post-surgery rehabilitation (based on international recommandations).

Inclusion Criteria:

• age : 18 to 55
• first episode of ACL injury
• having a planed ACL reconstruction
• volunteer to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• age : <18 or >55
• previous episode of ACL injury/reconstruction
• no ACL reconstruction