Cross Bracing Protocol With And Without Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Training in Athletes

Riphah International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Sports Physical Therapy

Treatments: Other: Cross bracing and conservative treatment; Other: Cross bracing and DNS with conservative treatment

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06756815

REC/RCR & AHS/24/0420

Details and patient eligibility

About

ACL Injury is a severe injury for athletes, which frequently results in functional limits and a higher likelihood of re-injury. Although bracing regimens are frequently used in rehabilitation, their ability to restore functional movements after an ACL Injury is still uncertain. Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) training, which targets the core and proprioception, has emerged as a viable method for enhancing motor control and decreasing knee instability. The objective of this study is to examine the synergistic impact of cross bracing and DNS training on the functional movements of athletes who have recently experienced an ACL Injury .

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to study the effects of different interventions on athletes with acute ACL Injury. The participants will be divided into two groups: (A= control group) Cross bracing with conservative treatment, (B= Treatment group) Cross bracing + DNS training with conservative treatment. Both groups will engage in targeted exercises that aim to activate the core, improve proprioception, and enhance movement patterns. The participants' functional movements will be assessed at the beginning of the study and 6 weeks later using established questionnaire such as International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score - assesses knee function and symptoms, Landing error scoring system (LESS), Y Balance (YB), Functional movement screening (FMS) Statistical analysis will be performed to compare the functional performance and neuromuscular parameters between the groups in order to determine the most effective intervention for restoring movement quality after ACL Injury .

Full description

The study's emphasis on cross bracing protocol and DNS training is warranted due to the necessity of investigating non-invasive and conservative therapy methods that have the ability to improve functional movements in athletes with ACL Injury . Cross bracing is frequently employed to offer external reinforcement and enhance stability to the knee joint subsequent to an ACL damage, whereas DNS training concentrates on reconditioning the neuromuscular system to enhance movement patterns and motor control. The study seeks to provide significant insights into the most effective rehabilitation regimens for athletes with acute ACL Injury by evaluating the effects of two therapies. The ultimate goal is to enhance their functional results and long-term sports performance.

Enrollment: 26 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 30 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male and Female
• Age: 18-30 years.
• Mentally and verbally capable of participating in the study.
• Positive Lachman Test
• Diagnosis of acute ACL Injury with grade 1 and 2 through MRI or arthroscopy.

Exclusion criteria

• Inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy or active malignancy.
• Neurological disorder or systemic disease.
• Previous surgery on the affected knee.
• Meniscal tear or articular cartilage damage requiring surgical repair

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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26 participants in 2 patient groups

Group A: Cross bracing + conservative treatment(control group)

Experimental group

Description:

Cross brace training week 1-2 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. Quad Sets 3. Straight Leg Raise 4. Ankle Pumps 5. Heel and Toe Raises 6. Glute Bridge Week 3-4 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. Hamstring Curls 3. Step-ups 4. Mini Squats (with support) 5. Leg Press 6. Lateral Leg Raises Week 5-6 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. Single-leg Balance (with support) 3. Lunges (with proper technique) 4. Squats (bodyweight) 5. Box Jumps 6. Lateral Step-ups

Treatment:

Other: Cross bracing and conservative treatment

Group B: Cross bracing + DNS training + conservative treatment

Experimental group

Description:

Week 1-2 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. DNS Core Activation (supine, prone positions) 3. Quad Sets 4. Straight Leg Raise 5. Ankle Pumps 6. Heel and Toe Raises 7. Glute Bridge Week 3-4 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. DNS Core Stabilization (advanced activation) 3. Hamstring Curls 4. Step-ups 5. Mini Squats 6. Leg Press 7. Lateral Leg Raises 8. Pelvic Tilts Week 5-6 1. Cross Bracing (Isometric Holds) 2. DNS Dynamic Stabilization (with resistance) 3. Single-leg Balance (with and without support) 4. Lunges (with added resistance) 5. Squats (bodyweight or weighted) 6. Box Jumps 7. Lateral Step-ups 8. Running Drills (if tolerated)

Treatment:

Other: Cross bracing and DNS with conservative treatment