Effects of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Knee Joint Functional Stability Reconstruction Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: protocol for a assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAnterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) imposes substantial socioeconomic and healthcare burdens worldwide. In China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has emerged as a popular complementary and alternative medicine strategy to relive pain and functional stability. However, the current evidence is insufficient to support the efficacy of TCM in addressing knee pain and improving physical function. This trial aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of TCM. Methods and analysisA total of 132 patients, aged between 18 and 50 years, will be recruited from Shuguang hospital. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either the experimental group receiving integrated TCM-Western rehabilitation intervention five sessions or the control group receiving conventional rehabilitation intervention per week. Both groups will undergo a 4-week intervention phase, followed by a 4-week follow-up period. The primary outcome measure is the change from baseline in Lysholm Score, Knee Muscle Strength, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), effusion, Muscle Thickness, The modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Knee Range of Motion (ROM), Knee Proprioception. All adverse events occurring during the trial will be promptly documented. Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approval Number: 2024-1522-105-01). Prior to enrollment, written informed consent will be obtained from all eligible participants in accordance with ethical guidelines. Upon study completion, findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications in academic journals and presented at relevant scientific conferences to ensure broad knowledge dissemination and contribute to evidence-based clinical practice. Trial registrationThe trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Platform (Registration No. ChiCTR2400085239) FundingKey Supporting Discipline Construction Projects in Shanghais Health System (2023ZDFC0301)