ACL Tears Clinical Trial
Official title:
Characterizing Clinical and Biomechanical Contributions to Function Following ACL Reconstruction
Quantify differences in quadriceps function and gait biomechanics in individuals within 2 years of ACL reconstruction compared to a healthy comparison group and establish the feasibility of conducting a progressive strengthening program to improve clinical and patient-oriented outcomes in individuals who are within 2 years of ACL reconstruction
A maximal isometric muscle contraction of the quadriceps will be used to examine neural and
peripheral contributions to quadriceps strength. Neural influences will be quantified using
the interpolated twitch technique (voluntary activation) and early RTD. Peripheral influences
will be quantified by examining the stimulus-evoked torque with the quadriceps relaxed
(resting twitch) and late RTD. Knee joint biomechanics during treadmill walking and running
will include sagittal plane (flexion, extension) movement variability (Lyapunov Exponent and
approximate entropy), peak knee flexion angle, and peak external knee flexion and adduction
moments. Additionally, the clinical relevance of impairments in the ACL reconstruction group
will be determined by examining the relationship with performance on jumping tasks and
patient function (secondary outcomes).
The progressive strengthening program will be performed for 6 weeks and emphasize development
of strength and power. Feasibility will be established if the researchers can recruit up to 8
participants and retain at least 80% over the 3 week intervention program. The researchers
will determine effect sizes for changes outcome measures.
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