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Updated: May 13, 2026
Early Weight-Bearing Rehabilitation Protocol After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Published on: March 1, 2024
A Slim-Fit Knee Brace for Young Adults With a Symptomatic Knee Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A
Matthew Savage1,2, Benjamin F Mentiplay1,2,3, Andrea M Bruder1,2,4
1La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Context:
Early-onset osteoarthritis and associated symptoms are common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but evidence for effective treatments is limited. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a slim-fit knee brace in young adults with a symptomatic knee post-ACLR.
Design:
6-week feasibility randomized controlled trial.
Methods:
Participants (aged 18-45, 1-8 y post-ACLR) with a symptomatic knee were randomized (2:1) to (1) a slim-fit knee brace group, to wear ≥1 hour daily and during aggravating activities; or (2) a no brace control group. Feasibility was assessed via eligibility, enrollment, recruitment, dropouts, adverse events, and adherence (temperature sensor). Acceptability was assessed via treatment satisfaction (100-point scale) and explored in semistructured interviews and analyzed thematically. Secondary outcomes included 6-week change in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and hop performance.
Results:
Of 48 participants screened, 24 (50%) were eligible and 21 (88%) enrolled over 6 months (52% male, mean age 31 [6] y, n = 14 brace, n = 7 control). One control participant was lost to follow-up (5% dropout). In the brace group, there were 2 serious and 3 minor unrelated adverse events, and 6 minor skin-related events; the control group had 2 minor events. Brace adherence averaged ≥1 hour per day on 43% of days (participant range 0%-78%). For acceptability, satisfaction was rated 70/100 (19). Fourteen interviews identified themes of perceived effectiveness (eg, improved confidence, pain relief), practical challenges to brace wear (eg, fit, clothing compatibility), and integration into daily life (eg, ease of use, social perceptions). The brace showed potential for worthwhile treatment effects for hop performance, and most Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, but not for kinesiophobia.
Conclusions:
A full-scale randomized controlled trial is feasible, as recruitment and retention targets were met, although adherence requires refinement. The brace showed promising functional benefits, supporting further evaluation as a low-burden intervention for young adults with a symptomatic knee post-ACLR.