Effectiveness of the Knee Care @Home Programme compared for patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a trial protocol

Abstract

Background: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, patients who are unable to remain completely compliant with conventional outpatient rehabilitation may benefit from remote sessions consisting of therapeutic exercises delivered via the internet. These sessions may increase accessibility in traditionally isolated and underserved regions, extend the duration of care, enhance surveillance and supervision, and promote greater collaboration among health professionals. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Knee Care @Home programme in conjunction with conventional outpatient rehabilitation on patient-reported, clinician- reported, and physical functional performance outcome measures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The trial also aims to determine the clinical relevance of changes in outcome measures. Methods: This is a protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Adults of both sexes will be evaluated. All participants who postoperatively meet the appropriate criteria will be allocated either to the conventional outpatient rehabilitation group or the knee care @home group. Only the latter will receive synchronous internet- based supervision of exercises at home in addition to conventional outpatient rehabilitation. A follow-up evaluation is conducted for both groups 12 weeks after the end of the intervention. Expected Results: Demonstrate the effectiveness of the knee care @home programme in conjunction with conventional outpatient rehabilitation on patient- reported, clinician-reported, and physical functional performance outcome measures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, thus offering health and exercise professionals a new methodology for rehabilitation practise.