Project Overview
Learn more about our research project
The POP-ACLR Study
Our aims
- To develop a treatment package for patients following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.
- The test the preoperative treatment package with patients and healthcare professionals
How we will achieve our aims
The POP-ACLR study is split into 3 phases
Phase 1
We will interview patients with experience of anterior cruciate ligament injuries and surgeries to help us understand their experiences.
Phase 2
Using the results from phase 1, we will work with patients, healthcare professionals and therapy managers to develop the treatment package.
Phase 3
We will test the treatment package with patients and healthcare professionals.
To improve patient care
Many patients rupture their anterior cruciate ligament every year in the UK (and worldwide). Following rupture, treatment may follow a:
- surgical route
- non-surgical route (rehabilitation) or
- combined route (where a period of rehabilitation is trialled before surgery is considered)
There isn't a one-size fit's all approach to treatment. Some patients manage well without surgery, however some do not. At present, it is unclear which patient may require surgery & at what time.
In addition, if surgery is recommended, receiving physiotherapy beforehand (called 'prehabilitation') is suggested by researchers and physiotherapists to help patients prepare for surgery and postoperative rehabilitation. However, some patients don't receive any treatment before their surgery. There are also no guidelines for the treatment patients receive.
This research project will fill this gap by developing a treatment package to help decision-making about treatment and to determine clinical recommendations for treatment following rupture.
This research will be completed in 3 phases
- First, we will interview patients who are waiting for and who have had anterior cruciate ligament surgery to help us to understand their experiences.
- We will bring together an expert team to develop the treatment package (a shared decision-making intervention) and clinical recommendations.
- We will test the treatment package in the NHS and interview those who have used it.
A team approach
This research will bring together a team of patients, healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and surgeons, therapy managers and researchers. We will work together to deliver the research aims.
Contact us
- Visit our 'Contact Us' page
- Keep up-to-date by following us on twitter @POP_ACLR
- Read our updates on our 'News' page