Ankle Muscle Power Program to Help Return to Duty After an Ankle Fracture
Efficacy and Clinical Feasibility of the Ankle Muscle Power (AMP) Program for Return to Duty After an Ankle Fracture
This trial tests whether adding ankle muscle power exercises to standard physical therapy helps adults 18–50 recover strength, function, and readiness to return to duty after a surgically fixed ankle fracture.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lexington, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT07173088 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-site interventional trial at the University of Kentucky compares two standardized rehabilitation programs after surgical fixation of an ankle fracture: the Ankle Muscle Power (AMP) program plus standard care versus standard care alone. The study will measure feasibility outcomes (adherence, treatment fidelity, recruitment, retention, and acceptability) as well as muscle function outcomes including plantar flexor rate of torque development, ankle power during gait and stair tasks, physical performance tests, and patient-reported outcomes. Researchers plan predefined feasibility targets (for example, 80% adherence and 90% fidelity) to determine whether the AMP program can be scaled into clinical practice. The trial enrolls adults 18–50 years old and requires in-person therapy sessions and follow-up visits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18–50 with an acute surgically fixed ankle fracture, a BMI ≤ 35, and the ability to attend in-person therapy and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: Patients with preexisting chronic pain, moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple trauma preventing participation, current pregnancy, non-English speakers, or those unable to attend in-person visits are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the AMP program could improve ankle strength and power, speed functional recovery, and increase the likelihood of returning to duty after an ankle fracture.
How similar studies have performed: Progressive power-focused rehabilitation has shown benefits in other musculoskeletal settings, but the specific AMP protocol for post-surgical ankle fractures is relatively novel and not yet widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-50 years old * Acute orthopedic injury to the ankle requiring surgical fixation * Must have stable address and phone number to schedule follow up contact visits * English speaking * BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * History of chronic pain defined as pain lasting more than 3 months and bothersome at least half the days over the past 6 months that started before the fracture * Moderate or severe traumatic brain injury * Initial treatment requiring amputation * Spinal cord injury * Unable to speak or read English * History of schizophrenia, dementia, neurologic disorder with peripheral dysfunction, or other psychotic disorder based upon medical record or patient self-report * Any chronic conditions that would limit their ability to participate in an intervention * Multiple trauma that prevents engaging in intervention * Pregnant * Unable to participate in or complete in-person follow up visits or therapy sessions * In Physical Therapy at the start of the intervention. * Use of an assistive device to walk for community ambulation * Prior lower extremity fracture within the past 2 years
Where this trial is running
Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Principal Investigator — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Research Associate Senior
- Email: delong2@uky.edu
- Phone: 859-323-5438
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.