Improving walking patterns after ACL surgery
Official title: Asymmetric Walking Protocol for Optimal Post-ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10909149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new walking program to help people recover better after ACL surgery by teaching them a special way to walk that could make their knees feel better and prevent future problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $122,670 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AR079043-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently undergone ACL reconstruction surgery and are experiencing difficulties with their walking mechanics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had ACL surgery or those with other severe knee conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new walking protocol designed to help patients recover better after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. By using advanced techniques like gait analysis and machine learning, the study aims to identify how an asymmetric walking approach can improve walking mechanics and reduce knee stress. The goal is to help patients adopt healthier walking patterns that may prevent long-term complications such as osteoarthritis. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative rehabilitation method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation outcomes for patients recovering from ACL surgery, potentially reducing the risk of long-term knee issues.
How similar studies have gone: While the asymmetric walking protocol has shown promise in stroke rehabilitation, its application in post-ACL reconstruction patients is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Kristin — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Kristin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Graft Remodeling and Joint Degeneration after ACL Reconstruction in the Growing Knee Joint
This grant focuses on how ACL reconstruction in growing kids and teens affects knee grafts and long-term joint health.
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Using clinic videos to spot risk of a second ACL injury after reconstruction
This project uses easy-to-take clinic videos and wearable sensors to find movement patterns that may predict a second ACL injury in people who've had ACL reconstruction.
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Options for a second (revision) ACL surgery
This work looks at how different surgical approaches and patient factors relate to long-term outcomes for people having a second ACL reconstruction.
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Improving quadriceps muscle function after ACL surgery using brain stimulation
This study is looking at how a gentle brain stimulation technique can help improve the strength and function of your thigh muscles as you recover from ACL surgery, making your rehabilitation process easier and more effective.
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How walking and physical activity affect knee health after ACL surgery
This study is looking at how walking and activity levels affect knee health in young adults who have had ACL surgery, aiming to find ways to prevent long-term pain and joint issues during their first year of recovery.
-
Predicting second injuries after ACL surgery using video technology
This study is looking at how to help people who have had ACL surgery avoid getting hurt again by tracking their movements and activities for 18 months, so we can learn more about what might lead to a second injury.
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.