Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR)NCT07862868
The Effect of Isokinetic Vs Plyometric Training in Post-ACLR Surgery
A study testing Isokinetic Training and Plyometrics Training in people with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
The primary goal of this RCT is to evaluate the effects of isokinetic training compared to plyometric training in patients aged 18-40 years who have undergone ACLR surgery. The primary question to answer is which of the two interventions (isokinetic or plyometrics) has superior effect in the improvement of muscular… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR), Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, Anterior Cruciate Ligament/Surgery
- What is being tested?
- Isokinetic Training and Plyometrics Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2026to 1 Feb 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-40 years
- Primary unilateral ACL reconstruction
- Reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon (HT) autograft
- Cleared by operating surgeon for progressive resistance and functional training
- Able to perform full weight-bearing ambulation without assistive devices
Who cannot join
- Revision ACL reconstruction
- Associated grade III ligament injury
- Meniscal repair (meniscectomy is not an exclusion)
- Concomitant chondral defect requiring surgical intervention or cartilage repair
- Contralateral lower limb injury within the preceding 12 months
- Body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m²
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Egypt1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
PTOC South Valley University
Qina, Qena Governorate, 2356
Ahmed El Melhat, PhD, +201112595022 ext. +961, ahmed.elmelhat@cu.edu.eg
Marwa J. Awkal, DPT, 81666932 ext. +961, marwaawkal3@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Isokinetic Training Versus Plyometric Training Post ACL Reconstruction
The primary goal of this RCT is to evaluate the effects of isokinetic training compared to plyometric training in patients aged 18-40 years who have undergone ACLR surgery.
The primary question to answer is which of the two interventions (isokinetic or plyometrics) has superior effect in the improvement of muscular strength, functional performance and patient-reported outcomes in ACLR patients.
Participants will be divided into two groups. Both groups received standard rehabilitation for 16 weeks, followed by adding for 8 weeks: Group 1: receives isokinetic training, Group 2: receives plyometric training (total=24 weeks).
Read the detailed description
Isokinetic and plyometric training represent two distinct approaches used in ACLR rehabilitation. Based on evidence, both showed significant improvements when performed postoperatively. However, there is no randomized controlled trial that has directly compared their effects on the comprehensive outcomes required for RTS clearance.
This study hypothesizes that both interventions will improve muscular strength, functional performance and patient related outcomes, with no significance of one over the other.
- Conditions
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR), Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, Anterior Cruciate Ligament/Surgery, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Surgery, ACL Surgery, ACL Reconstruction
- Being tested
- Isokinetic Training, Plyometrics Training
- Keywords
- isokinetic training, plyometric training, muscular strength, functional performance, peak torque, hop tests
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Isokinetic TrainingOther
Participants will receive standard therapy for 16 weeks, followed by an additional 8 weeks of isokinetic training alongside with standard therapy.
Plyometrics TrainingOther
Participants will receive standard therapy for 16 weeks, followed by an additional 8 weeks of plyometric training alongside with standard therapy.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Isokinetic Training Group | Experimental | The subjects will receive Isokinetic Training added to the standard rehabilitation program. Receives: Other: Isokinetic Training |
| Plyometrics Training Group | Experimental | The subjects will receive Plyometrics Training added to the standard rehabilitation program. Receives: Other: Plyometrics Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Isokinetic Quadriceps & Hamstring Peak Torques Normalized to Body Weight
The peak torques of quadriceps and hamstring are considered as the highest peak torque along the 5 repetitions at velocity 60°/s. Each is then normalized to body mass by the following equation: PTrelative = Peak Torque (Nm) / Body Mass (kg).
Measured: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Isokinetic Limb Symmetry Index (ISOK-LSI) of Quadriceps & Hamstring
ISOK-LSI is calculated by the following equation: ISOK-LSI = (involved limb PT / uninvolved limb PT) × 100. An LSI >90% is commonly used as a criterion for adequate interlimb symmetry following ACL reconstruction.
Measured: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Hamstring - Quadriceps Ratio (H/Q)
H/Q is calculated by the following equation: H/Q = (hamstring PT/quadriceps PT) × 100.
The hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio was calculated as the ratio of hamstring peak torque to quadriceps peak torque, expressed as a percentage. H/Q ratio of approximately 66.7% at 60°/s has been suggested as a reference value.
Measured: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Secondary outcomes (3)
Functional Performance test
For the distance tests (single-leg, triple ho, crossover hop), the longest distance (cm) is the best and is measured in centimeters using calibrated floor markings. For the time related test (6-meter timed hop), the shortest time (s) is considered and is measured using a digital stopwatch.
For all four hop tests, 3 trials will be performed. The best trial will be taken to statistical analysis.
Measured: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
VAS is a subjective tool designed to assess the intensity of pain by providing quantitative measures of self-reported severity of symptoms. Ranges are: 0-3 indicates mild pain, 4-6 moderate pain, and 7-10 severe pain.
Measured: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)
KOOS is a subjective tool designed to measure the patients' opinion about their knee function and problems related to injuries that may lead to osteoarthritis including ACL, meniscal or chondral injuries. It is composed of 5 domains: 1) Symptoms, 2) Stiffness, 3) Pain, 4) Function - daily living, and 5) Function - sports and recreational activities, of total 42 items. The sum of all 5 dimensions represents the total score that is then transformed to a 0-100 score (%), where 0 indicates "extreme knee problem" and 100 indicates "no knee problems".
Measured: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Feb 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ahmed ElMelhat, Cairo University
- Investigators
- Ahmed El Melhat, PhD, Study director, South Valley University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07862868
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ACLR-ISO-PLY-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Kipp JD, Bednarek AL, Sherry MA, Keefe MW, Chumanov ES. Isokinetic Quadriceps and Hamstring Peak Torque in Athletes Aged 10-50+: Preoperative Uninvolved Limb Reference Values for ACL Reconstruction. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2026 Sep 1;21(9):832-842. doi: 10.26603/001c.166786. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42694075Wang K, Cheng L, Wang B, He B. Effect of isokinetic muscle strength training on knee muscle strength, proprioception, and balance ability in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomised control trial. Front Physiol. 2023 Sep 19;14:1237497. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1237497. eCollection 2023.
PubMed 37795267Guzel N, Yilmaz AK, Genc AS, Karaduman E, Kehribar L. Pre- and Post-Operative Hamstring Autograft ACL Reconstruction Isokinetic Knee Strength Assessments of Recreational Athletes. J Clin Med. 2022 Dec 21;12(1):63. doi: 10.3390/jcm12010063.
PubMed 36614863Collins NJ, Misra D, Felson DT, Crossley KM, Roos EM. Measures of knee function: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS), Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADL), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Nov;63 Suppl 11(0 11):S208-28. doi: 10.1002/acr.20632. No abstract available.
PubMed 22588746Alhefzi AI, Reddy RS, Alfaya FF, Alshehri SHS, Mukherjee D, Alkhamis BA, Ahmad I, Kardm S, Koura GM, Al Salim Z, Gautam AP, Alyazedi FM, Samir SM, Fathi Elshiwi AM, El Melhat AM. Gait asymmetry as a determinant of functional recovery and return to sport after ACL reconstruction: a cross-sectional biomechanical analysis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2026 May 13;14:1762965. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1762965. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42212173
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Isokinetic Training Versus Plyometric Training Post ACL Reconstruction
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07862868
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ACLR-ISO-PLY-2026
- Conditions
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR), Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, Anterior Cruciate Ligament/Surgery, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Surgery, ACL Surgery, ACL Reconstruction
- Keywords
- isokinetic training, plyometric training, muscular strength, functional performance, peak torque, hop tests
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 7 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary goal of this RCT is to evaluate the effects of isokinetic training compared to plyometric training in patients aged 18-40 years who have undergone ACLR surgery.
The primary question to answer is which of the two interventions (isokinetic or plyometrics) has superior effect in the improvement of muscular strength, functional performance and patient-reported outcomes in ACLR patients.
Participants will be divided into two groups. Both groups received standard rehabilitation for 16 weeks, followed by adding for 8 weeks: Group 1: receives isokinetic training, Group 2: receives plyometric training (total=24 weeks).
Detailed description
Isokinetic and plyometric training represent two distinct approaches used in ACLR rehabilitation. Based on evidence, both showed significant improvements when performed postoperatively. However, there is no randomized controlled trial that has directly compared their effects on the comprehensive outcomes required for RTS clearance.
This study hypothesizes that both interventions will improve muscular strength, functional performance and patient related outcomes, with no significance of one over the other.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Isokinetic Training Group | Experimental | Other: Isokinetic TrainingThe subjects will receive Isokinetic Training added to the standard rehabilitation program. |
| Plyometrics Training Group | Experimental | Other: Plyometrics TrainingThe subjects will receive Plyometrics Training added to the standard rehabilitation program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 18-40 years
- Primary unilateral ACL reconstruction
- Reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon (HT) autograft
- Cleared by operating surgeon for progressive resistance and functional training
- Able to perform full weight-bearing ambulation without assistive devices
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Revision ACL reconstruction
- Associated grade III ligament injury
- Meniscal repair (meniscectomy is not an exclusion)
- Concomitant chondral defect requiring surgical intervention or cartilage repair
- Contralateral lower limb injury within the preceding 12 months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Isokinetic TrainingParticipants will receive standard therapy for 16 weeks, followed by an additional 8 weeks of isokinetic training alongside with standard therapy. | Other | Isokinetic Training Group |
| Plyometrics TrainingParticipants will receive standard therapy for 16 weeks, followed by an additional 8 weeks of plyometric training alongside with standard therapy. | Other | Plyometrics Training Group |
Primary outcome
Isokinetic Quadriceps & Hamstring Peak Torques Normalized to Body Weight
Time frame: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
The peak torques of quadriceps and hamstring are considered as the highest peak torque along the 5 repetitions at velocity 60°/s. Each is then normalized to body mass by the following equation: PTrelative = Peak Torque (Nm) / Body Mass (kg).
Isokinetic Limb Symmetry Index (ISOK-LSI) of Quadriceps & Hamstring
Time frame: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
ISOK-LSI is calculated by the following equation: ISOK-LSI = (involved limb PT / uninvolved limb PT) × 100. An LSI >90% is commonly used as a criterion for adequate interlimb symmetry following ACL reconstruction.
Hamstring - Quadriceps Ratio (H/Q)
Time frame: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
H/Q is calculated by the following equation: H/Q = (hamstring PT/quadriceps PT) × 100. The hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio was calculated as the ratio of hamstring peak torque to quadriceps peak torque, expressed as a percentage. H/Q ratio of approximately 66.7% at 60°/s has been suggested as a reference value.
3 secondary outcomes
Functional Performance test
Time frame: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)
Time frame: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 42694075Kipp JD, Bednarek AL, Sherry MA, Keefe MW, Chumanov ES. Isokinetic Quadriceps and Hamstring Peak Torque in Athletes Aged 10-50+: Preoperative Uninvolved Limb Reference Values for ACL Reconstruction. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2026 Sep 1;21(9):832-842. doi: 10.26603/001c.166786. eCollection 2026.
- Background: PubMed 37795267Wang K, Cheng L, Wang B, He B. Effect of isokinetic muscle strength training on knee muscle strength, proprioception, and balance ability in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomised control trial. Front Physiol. 2023 Sep 19;14:1237497. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1237497. eCollection 2023.
- Background: PubMed 36614863Guzel N, Yilmaz AK, Genc AS, Karaduman E, Kehribar L. Pre- and Post-Operative Hamstring Autograft ACL Reconstruction Isokinetic Knee Strength Assessments of Recreational Athletes. J Clin Med. 2022 Dec 21;12(1):63. doi: 10.3390/jcm12010063.
- Background: PubMed 22588746Collins NJ, Misra D, Felson DT, Crossley KM, Roos EM. Measures of knee function: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS), Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADL), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Nov;63 Suppl 11(0 11):S208-28. doi: 10.1002/acr.20632. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 42212173Alhefzi AI, Reddy RS, Alfaya FF, Alshehri SHS, Mukherjee D, Alkhamis BA, Ahmad I, Kardm S, Koura GM, Al Salim Z, Gautam AP, Alyazedi FM, Samir SM, Fathi Elshiwi AM, El Melhat AM. Gait asymmetry as a determinant of functional recovery and return to sport after ACL reconstruction: a cross-sectional biomechanical analysis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2026 May 13;14:1762965. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1762965. eCollection 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Ahmed El Melhat, PhD study director
South Valley University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Isokinetic Training and Plyometrics Training in people with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Ahmed El Melhat, PhD (+201112595022, ahmed.elmelhat@cu.edu.eg), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Isokinetic Quadriceps & Hamstring Peak Torques Normalized to Body Weight (time frame: Baseline (week 16), post-intervention (week 24) and follow up (week 32).). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07862868, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Oct 2026.