Efficacy of cycloid vibration therapy for arthrogenic muscle inhibition after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a study protocol for a prospective, randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a neuromuscular control disorder that occurs following joint injuries such as ligament tears, joint inflammation or postoperative conditions. It is characterised primarily by reflexive inhibition of the muscles surrounding the affected joint, substantially impeding rehabilitation. After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), effective rehabilitation is essential to restore joint function, facilitate a return to preinjury activity levels and reduce the risk of reinjury. Vibration therapy may mitigate AMI by modulating somatosensory input to joint and cutaneous mechanoreceptors, thereby activating neuromuscular pathways through stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the skin, articular structures and musculotendinous tissues. Accordingly, this study employs cycloid vibration therapy (CVT) to evaluate its efficacy and safety in the management of AMI post-ACLR. The findings aim to determine whether integrating CVT into postoperative rehabilitation can effectively mitigate AMI, thereby optimising recovery of neuromuscular control and functional outcomes in ACLR patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This prospective, single-centre, randomised controlled trial will enrol 44 patients with AMI who have undergone ACLR. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group, receiving CVT plus conventional rehabilitation or a control group, receiving conventional rehabilitation alone. All participants will complete an 8-week rehabilitation programme consisting of 24 sessions. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, at a 4-week interim evaluation and immediately postintervention at week 8. These assessments will include surface electromyography parameters, ultrasonographic muscle thickness, range of motion, knee joint proprioception, Visual Analog Scale pain scores, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Holden Functional Classification and adverse event rates. A follow-up study will evaluate patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes, while all adverse events will be monitored and documented throughout the trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Medical Ethics Committee of Drum Tower Hospital, affiliated with Nanjing University School of Medicine, approved this study (2024-1022-02). The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2500096882.