Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluation of the Evolution of Proprioceptive Reweighting Abilities Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

This study is investigating how athletes recover their ability to sense their body's position and movement (called proprioception) after an operation to repair a torn ACL in their knee. ACL injuries are common in sports, and while many athletes return to sport, fewer get back to their previous high level, and some re-injure their knee. We're looking at how the brain and body learn to use new information from the knee after surgery. We believe that over time, patients will get better at adapting their movements, which we call becoming more 'plastic'. This research could help improve rehabilitation and get athletes back to their sport stronger and safer.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

Start

20 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

20 May 2028

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture With Ligamentoplasty

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding how people recover after having surgery for a common knee injury called an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is a very important ligament in your knee, and it often gets injured in sports that involve quick stops, turns, and jumps, like football or basketball. When it tears, it can make your knee unstable.

Most athletes who have an ACL tear will have an operation to fix it, followed by rehabilitation exercises. While many get back to playing sports, unfortunately, not everyone reaches the same high level they were at before their injury. Also, some athletes sadly re-injure their knee. We believe that understanding how your body learns to sense its position and movement, especially after surgery, is key to helping athletes make a full and lasting recovery.

In this study, we're particularly interested in something called 'proprioception', which is your body's ability to know where its parts are in space without looking. After an ACL injury and surgery, your knee's proprioception can be affected. We're looking to see if, over time, people get better at using this information to control their movements and balance. We think that after 9 months, people will show more 'plasticity' – meaning their bodies are better at adapting and using different sensory information compared to 3 months after surgery. This research could help us develop better recovery programs for athletes, helping more of them return to sport at their best.

Key takeaways

ACL injuries are common in athletes, often leading to surgery.
Many athletes don't return to their previous high level of sport after ACL surgery.
This study investigates how the body's sense of position (proprioception) recovers after ACL reconstruction.
Researchers want to see if this sensory ability improves significantly over time (between 3 and 9 months post-surgery).
Better understanding of recovery could lead to improved rehabilitation methods.
Participation involves specific balance and movement assessments at different recovery stages.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would generally need to be between 15 and 40 years old. You must have had an ACL tear that is planned for surgery to repair it. An important part of the study involves standing steadily on both feet with your eyes closed without needing any help.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have other recent leg or foot injuries or pain, or if you have certain nerve conditions. You'll also need to be able to give your consent (or have your parents/guardians consent if you're under 18) for your information to be used for the study.

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 between 15 and 40 years old?
Have you recently torn your ACL and are planning to have surgery?
Can you stand steadily on both feet with your eyes closed without needing help?
Do you have any other new or ongoing leg, foot, or nerve issues (apart from your ACL tear)?
Are you comfortable with your information being used for research purposes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves looking at your balance and movement abilities at different points after your ACL surgery. You would likely have assessments at around 3 months and 9 months after your operation. These assessments would involve some balance tasks. There are no specific medications involved in this study, and you would continue with your standard rehabilitation program as advised by your medical team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help us gain valuable information that could improve care for future patients with ACL injuries. There are no direct medical benefits to you from taking part, and you will continue with your usual medical care. The assessments are designed to be safe, but there's a small chance of minor discomfort during balance tasks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (3)

Brest University Hospital
Verified postcode
Brest, France
Montpellier University Hospital
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France
Dr. STER Clinic, Saint Clément de Rivière
Verified postcode
Saint-Clément-de-Rivière, France

Common questions

What is an ACL?

The ACL is a strong ligament in the middle of your knee that helps keep it stable. It often gets torn during sports.

What is 'proprioception'?

It's your body's sense of where your limbs are and how they're moving, even without looking. It's really important for balance and coordination.

What does 'plastic' or 'rigid' mean in this study?

It describes how well your body adapts its balance using different senses. 'Plastic' means you're good at adapting, 'rigid' means less so.

Will this study help my recovery directly?

While this study aims to improve future care, it won't directly change your personal recovery plan. You will continue with your standard rehabilitation.

What is the 'ReproEVO intervention'?

This is the specific set of tests and measurements used in this study to evaluate how your balance and proprioception are evolving after surgery.

How to find out more

Olivier REMY-NERIS, Professor

olivier.remyneris@chu-brest.fr +33298223152 Official trial record

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