Anterior Cruciate Ligaments: Studying Updates in neuroCognition After Knee Manipulation

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments: Studying Updates in neuroCognition After Knee Manipulation

This study will investigate whether knee joint manipulation can improve neurocognitive and neuromuscular performance in individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Recruitment will consist of 30 participants aged 18-35 who are 4 months to 5 years post-ACLR and demonstrate measurable reaction time delays. Using a within-subject pre-post design, participants will complete a battery of neurocognitive and neuromuscular assessments, including visuomotor reaction time and dual-task hop testing, before and after knee joint manipulation(s).

The main questions the investigators aim to address are:

Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and applicability of integrating knee joint manipulation into post-ACLR rehabilitation using the Implementation and Outcomes Framework.

Aim 2: Determine preliminary efficacy of knee joint manipulation on neurocognitive performance in individuals with ACLR.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Provided informed consent prior to any study procedures that are performed.
• Are between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Have undergone ACLR surgery. All autograft and allograft types are accepted.
• Are 4-months to 10-years post-ACLR.
• Injured knee playing or training for sports (recreational or organized) or during physical activity.
• Have been cleared by a physician to return to activities and/or participate in this study.
• Are at least the minimally clinical important difference (MCID) above the normative reaction time average for our methods as established by previous literature in at least 1 reaction time task.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of concussion in the past 3 months.
• The participant is pregnant.
• Have a neurological disorder, including epilepsy.
• Currently injured or have injured their lower extremity in the past 3 months.
• Had surgery on multiple ligaments when their ACL was injured.