Implementation of the Knee Care @Home Programme for Patients Recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Protocol for a Randomised Feasibility Trial

Abstract

Background: Supervised remote sessions consisting of therapeutic exercises delivered via the internet can be an excellent supplement for patients who are unable to respect conventional outpatient rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by increasing exposure and extending the duration of recovery practises. It can also assist in improving accessibility and collaboration between health professionals, as well as reducing the burden of face-to-face rehabilitation services. Objectives: Determine the feasibility of conducting a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Knee Care @Home programme for patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, including the acceptability of the intervention and to assign a qualitative evaluation within the trial to identify challenges with the implementation and delivery of the programme. Methods: This is a protocol for a randomised feasibility trial concurrent to controlled superiority trial. Adult participants following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction will be allocated to either 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. Expected Results: Demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility of delivering the Knee Care @Home Programme in conjunction with conventional outpatient rehabilitation, thus offering health professionals a new rehabilitation methodology while proposing patients a mean to increase exposure and extend the duration of recovery practises, improve accessibility and supervision.