Assessing recovery after ACL injuries using a new leg dexterity test
Official title: A simple and quantitative clinical assessment of neuromuscular recovery after ACL injury
Funded at Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC · NIH-10463736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy, and safe test to check how well your leg is recovering after ACL surgery, especially for women, so that your rehab can be tailored to help you get back to your activities safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Crescenta, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 12, 2019 |
| Project end | August 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $417,624 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AR074859-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10463736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals recovering from ACL injuries, particularly those who have undergone reconstructive surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced an ACL injury or those who are not undergoing rehabilitation for knee injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the assessment of neuromuscular recovery in patients who have undergone ACL reconstructive surgery. It aims to develop a simple and safe leg dexterity test that quantifies neuromuscular control without requiring risky maneuvers. The test is designed to identify deficits in leg dexterity and inform rehabilitation strategies, particularly addressing the higher risk of ACL injuries in women. By utilizing a portable device and cloud-computing platform, the research seeks to standardize the evaluation process for patients returning to activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective rehabilitation protocols for patients recovering from ACL injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing quantitative assessments for neuromuscular control, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC
La Crescenta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valero, Erika — Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Valero, Erika
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Therapeutic approach to reduce cellular aging and improve thigh muscle recovery after ACL injury
A research project tests a drug (metformin) to help the thigh muscle heal better after ACL injury and reconstruction.
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From Knee Focus to Whole-Body Movement for ACL Injury Prevention in Teens
A study in teens with ACL injury explores how ankle, knee, and hip movements during sports affect injury risk and lifelong joint health.
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NMES approach to protect and restore thigh muscles after ACL injury
A researcher team at the University of Kentucky is testing how nerve-stimulating electrical therapy might prevent and reverse muscle weakness and shrinking after an ACL tear and reconstruction, with patients who have or will have ACL injuries in mind.
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Electrical stimulation to restore quadriceps after ACL tear
This will use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to help people with ACL tears or reconstruction avoid quadriceps weakness and muscle loss.
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Understanding Second ACL Injury Risk with a Smart Sensor
This project aims to find out which factors, measured with a new wearable sensor, put adolescent athletes at risk for tearing their ACL again after surgery.
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Improving recovery after ACL injuries
This study is looking to help people recover better from ACL injuries by figuring out the best ways to use electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles after the injury, so you can get back to your activities faster and with less risk of future problems.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.