Therapeutic Benefits of a Motor Imaging Protocol Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

This is a prospective, comparative, randomized, controlled, single-blind (patient), single-center study evaluating the effects of a motor imagery program in parallel with rehabilitation sessions in patients who have had an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

The study population is composed of adult patients who underwent reconstructive surgery after anterior cruciate ligament rupture, followed up at the Clinique de la Sauvegarde in Lyon for post-operative functional and strength testing of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Patients included in the study will be randomized into two study arms (experimental arm and control arm).

• Reconstructive surgery after anterior cruciate ligament rupture (Procedure): surgical technique for repairing the cruciate ligament
• sessions from a physical therapist (Other): sessions from a physical therapist in accordance with standard practice

Primary outcomes

• Evolution of limb symmetry [between 3 and 4.5 months]: Evolution of limb symmetry assessed by the Limb Symmetry Index in %
• Isometric quadriceps strength [between 3 and 4.5 months]: Isometric quadriceps strength using a Micro Fet handheld dynamometer (in Newtons)
• Isometric hamstring strength [between 3 and 4.5 months]: Isometric hamstring strength measured using a Micro Fet handheld dynamometer (in Newtons)
• Average concentric strength [between 3 and 4.5 months]: Average concentric strength during a counter-movement jump measured using a force platform (in Newtons)
• Average strength [between 3 and 4.5 months]: Average strength during a squat measured using a force platform (in Newtons)
• Quadriceps activation measured [between 3 and 4.5 months]: Quadriceps activation measured using electromyography

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 45 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 to 45;
* Individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for the first time on the operated leg;
* Patients able to understand and read French;
* Affiliation with a social insurance plan;
* Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recurrence or rupture of the contralateral anterior cruciate ligament;
* History of another orthopedic surgery on the ipsilateral and/or contralateral lower limb;
* History of an injury to the ipsilateral and/or contralateral lower limb within the last 3 months;
* Osteotomy;
* Cognitive disorders observed by the investigator for inclusion ;
* Vestibular disorders known to the patient or observed by the investigator for inclusion;
* Post-surgical complications (infection, early graft rupture);
* Patient participating in another interventional clinical trial, or in a period of exclusion from another interventional study;
* Patient under guardianship or conservatorship;
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.