TASK Project

It is known that many people after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) cease guided rehabilitation with a physiotherapist within 6 to 12 months, despite the high prevalence of ongoing symptoms and functional deficits. 

Study aims: the primary aims of this pilot randomised controlled trial were to:

i) determine the feasibility of a physiotherapist-guided lower-limb focussed intervention for individuals with persistent symptoms 1-year post-ACLR

ii) estimate the effects of this intervention, including comparison with a trunk-focussed intervention on knee-related QoL.  

To view the physiotherapy-guided exercise-therapy programs used in this study click here.

To view the education resources used in this study click here.

Click here to read the full article, including detailed methods, results and discussion.

Funding: Australian Physiotherapy Association Physiotherapy Research Foundation, Beryl Haines Memorial Grant, and The La Trobe University Social Research Platform.

Acknowledgements: We thank BodySystem clinic (Hobart) and Complete Sports Care (Hawthorn) for providing clinic locations and treating physiotherapists. We thank Mr Dirk Van Bavel, Mr Justin Wong, Mr Ben Campbell, Mr Nigel Hartnett, and Mr Paul Einoder for assisting recruitment into the project.

Staff involved: Brooke Patterson, Adam Culvenor, Kay Crossley, Christian Barton, Randall Cooper.

Statement of Intent

These resources are not intended to serve as a prescribed standard of medical care. Standards of care are determined on the basis of all clinical data available for an individual patient and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of care evolve.  These resources have been developed to inform practice and should be considered guidance only.  Following advice on this site will not ensure a successful outcome in every patient, nor should it be construed as including all proper methods of care or excluding other acceptable methods of care aimed at the same results.  The ultimate judgment regarding a particular clinical procedure or treatment plan must be made by the clinician, based on clinician experience, expertise and in light of the clinical presentation of the patient, the available evidence, available diagnostic and treatment options, and the patient’s values, expectations, and preferences.