RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Comparison of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI) After ACL Reconstruction in Patients With Conventional Rehabilitation or Conventional Rehabilitation Combined With Digital Therapy

This study is investigating if a new digital app, called DOCT'UP®, can help people recover better after surgery for a torn ACL (a common knee injury). Sometimes after ACL surgery, the leg muscles don't work as well as they should, even if the nerves and muscles are fine. This is called 'arthrogenic muscle inhibition' (AMI). AMI can slow down recovery. Traditional physiotherapy helps, but sometimes isn't enough, and it can be hard for people to stick to their exercises at home. The DOCT'UP® app offers extra support and exercises for patients to do at home, some of which are designed to tackle AMI. Researchers want to compare recovery in patients using the app plus physiotherapy, versus those doing only physiotherapy, to see if the app leads to faster and better results.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

GCS Ramsay Santé pour l'Enseignement et la Recherche

Enrolment target

448

Start

25 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2027

ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

What is this study about?

When you injure your knee, especially an important ligament like the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), it can sometimes make the muscles around your knee, particularly at the front of the thigh (quadriceps), feel weak or not work properly. This isn't because the muscle or nerve is damaged, but rather the brain 'switches off' some of the muscle's activity to protect the joint. This problem is called 'arthrogenic muscle inhibition' or AMI.

AMI can really slow down how well you recover after ACL surgery. Even with physiotherapy, reaching your full strength again can be a challenge, and it's not always easy to keep up with all your exercises outside of clinics. This study aims to find a better way to help people overcome AMI and get back to their normal activities sooner. They are looking at a new tool called DOCT'UP®.

DOCT'UP® is a digital app designed to support patients recovering from ACL surgery. It provides educational materials and exercises you can do at home, some specifically targeting that muscle weakness (AMI). The researchers want to compare how well people recover when they use the DOCT'UP® app alongside their regular physiotherapy, compared to those who just do regular physiotherapy. They hope to see if the app can improve muscle strength, reduce pain, and make rehabilitation more effective overall.

Key takeaways

The study investigates if a new app (DOCT'UP®) can improve recovery after ACL surgery.
It specifically targets 'arthrogenic muscle inhibition' (AMI), which is muscle weakness after knee injury.
Participants will either receive standard physiotherapy or physiotherapy plus the DOCT'UP® app.
The goal is to see if the app leads to faster muscle recovery and better overall results.
Participation requires ownership of a smartphone and being able to use mobile apps.
The study assesses effectiveness and patient satisfaction over a year.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who is scheduled to have their first ACL reconstruction surgery on one of their knees. You also need to own a smartphone, be comfortable using mobile apps, and speak French. You must be covered by a local health insurance scheme and be able to provide your written consent to take part.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you already have existing muscle weakness (AMI) before your surgery, or if you've had knee surgery on either knee before. Also, if you have other serious health problems like heart disease or uncontrolled diabetes, or if you have trouble understanding things (cognitive problems), you wouldn't be able to participate. Having multiple ligament injuries in your knee, not having internet access, or already being part of another medical study would also prevent you from joining. Finally, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under certain legal protections, you would not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Are you having your first ACL knee reconstruction surgery?
Do you own and know how to use a smartphone?
Do you speak French?
Are you covered by a social security (health insurance) scheme?
Are you not currently part of another clinical study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive their usual physiotherapy after ACL surgery. The other group will also receive usual physiotherapy, but will additionally use the DOCT'UP® app on their smartphone for extra support and home exercises. The study will likely involve attending your planned physiotherapy sessions and using the app as instructed, if you're in that group. Researchers will assess your recovery at various points. The total duration of your participation will depend on the study's follow-up schedule, which can extend up to a year after surgery to track long-term progress.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. You might benefit from closer monitoring of your recovery and potentially improved outcomes if the DOCT'UP® app proves effective in reducing muscle weakness and speeding up rehabilitation. This could mean getting back to your normal activities sooner. Risks might include the time commitment required for using the app and attending assessments, or the possibility that the app may not work for everyone. As with any medical study, you are always free to withdraw your consent and stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz
Verified postcode
Lyon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an ACL and why is it important?

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a key ligament in your knee that helps keep it stable. When it tears, your knee can become wobbly, often requiring surgery to fix it.

What does 'arthrogenic muscle inhibition' (AMI) mean?

AMI is when your leg muscles don't work as well as they should after a knee injury or surgery, even if the muscles and nerves are fine. It's like your brain is holding back some of their strength to protect your knee.

What is the DOCT'UP® app?

It's a digital health app designed to support patients after ACL surgery. It offers exercises and educational content you can do at home, some of which target muscle weakness (AMI).

Will I still get regular physiotherapy if I'm in the study?

Yes, all participants in the study will receive conventional physiotherapy as part of their recovery. The study is about whether using the DOCT'UP® app *in addition* to physiotherapy helps.

How long will the study last for me?

Your involvement in the study will likely last up to one year after your ACL surgery, to allow researchers to track your long-term recovery and see the full effects of the treatments.

How to find out more

Benjamin FREYCHET, MD

benjamin.freychet@gmail.com +33437530708 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.