Terminal Knee Extension Exercise with Audible Cues on Motor Unit Behavior in Athletes With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of terminal knee extension (TKE) exercise synchronized with audible cues on muscle activity in athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This research focuses on how adding a metronome pace during TKE exercise may improve neuromuscular control and change motor unit behavior in the vastus medialis muscle, which is important for knee stability after surgery. The study is designed to explore the immediate effects of a single TKE exercise session with or without audible cues. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: performing TKE exercise either without audible cues or with audible cues delivered via a metronome. Both interventions involve behavioral exercise targeting the knee, applied early in the rehabilitation phase to prevent knee laxity and reduce pain compared to other exercise types. The study runs from enrollment through a two-week treatment period to assess changes in muscle motor unit behavior. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of muscle activity, including measurements of average motor unit firing rate and peak motor unit action potential in the vastus medialis muscle. These assessments occur from enrollment to the end of the two-week treatment. Researchers will monitor participants' ability to perform the exercises and their neuromuscular responses, aiming to understand how sensory cues may enhance rehabilitation outcomes in athletes post-ACL reconstruction.

Exercise With Audible Cues on Motor Unit Behavior in Athletes With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction