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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
39
The progressive strengthening program will be performed for 3 weeks and emphasize development of strength and power. Feasibility will be established if we can recruit up to 8 participants and retain at least 80% over the 3 week intervention program. We will determine effect sizes for changes outcome measures.
Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Quadriceps Rate of Torque Development (RTD) Maximum
slope of the torque-time tracing (change in torque/change in time) (Nm/kg\*s-1)
Time frame: Change from Baseline Quadriceps RTD at 3 weeks
Knee Joint biomechanics during gait (nonlinear)
Sagittal plane (knee flexion) movement variability (calculated using Lyapunov Exponent and approximate entropy)
Time frame: Change from Baseline nonlinear knee joint biomechanics at 3 weeks
Quadriceps percent activation
Supramaximal electrical stimulus (interpolated twitch technique) used to augment a voluntary muscle contraction
Time frame: Change from Baseline Quadriceps percent activation at 3 weeks
Knee Joint biomechanics during gait (traditional)
peak external knee flexion moment (Nm/kgm)
Time frame: Change from Baseline knee joint biomechanics at 3 weeks
Patient reported function
International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form
Time frame: Change from Baseline IKDC at 3 weeks
Jumping performance
single leg hop for distance (cm)
Time frame: Change from Baseline single leg hop for distance at 3 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.