Effect of Graft Type on Knee Muscle Strength After ACL Reconstruction
Effect of Graft Type on Knee Muscle Strength Development After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Hacettepe University
80 participants
Jan 23, 2026
OBSERVATIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This prospective observational study will compare recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft or hamstring tendon autograft. The main goal is to examine differences in knee muscle strength recovery during the early and mid-term postoperative period. Participants aged 13 to 45 years who undergo unilateral ACL reconstruction and meet the eligibility criteria will be followed at Hacettepe University. Knee extensor and flexor strength will be assessed using isometric testing at postoperative weeks 4, 8, and 12 and month 6, and with isokinetic concentric testing at months 3 and 6. Functional outcomes and kinesiophobia will also be evaluated at month 6 using IKDC, KOOS, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. All participants will receive the same standard postoperative rehabilitation program under physiotherapist supervision. The study aims to clarify whether graft type is associated with different patterns of muscle strength recovery and functional improvement after ACL reconstruction
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Age 13 to 45 years
- Undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with either hamstring tendon autograft or quadriceps tendon autograft
- Unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury
- Complete ACL tear with accompanying minimal collateral ligament injury and first-degree meniscal tear
- Tegner Activity Score of 5 or higher
- Willingness to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria8
- Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft or allograft
- Revision surgery
- Systemic or neurological disease
- Multiple ligament injuries
- Grade III lateral or medial collateral ligament tear or significant articular cartilage lesion
- Failure to regularly attend the rehabilitation program during the first 3 postoperative months
- History of lower extremity injury in the contralateral limb within the last 12 months
- Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, history of deep vein thrombosis, neurological disease, systemic inflammation, diabetes, cancer, or obesity
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Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07523854