Assessing knee joint biomechanics with a wearable sensor
Characterizing Changes in Knee Joint Loading With Wearable Sensor Technology Following an Experimental Knee Joint Effusion
This study is testing how a wearable sensor can track changes in knee joint movement and pressure in healthy young adults to better understand knee issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT03805464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate how a wearable sensor can detect changes in knee joint loading by simulating knee joint effusion, a common condition affecting joint status. It will involve a cross-sectional cohort design with 25 healthy adults aged 18-35 who will participate in three sessions: informed consent and familiarization, testing, and knee joint status assessment. The primary outcomes will include data on lower extremity acceleration, velocity, and 3D kinematics and kinetics, collected through motion capture and wearable sensors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18-35 who are physically active and have a Tegner Activity Scale score of at least 5.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of lower extremity injuries, surgeries, or current knee pain may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a cost-effective method for monitoring knee joint health and biomechanics in patients with knee injuries or osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using wearable sensors for biomechanical assessments have shown promise in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female * Chronological age 18-35 at the time of study participation * Physically active (at least 30 minutes of physical activity, 3x/week) * Tegner Activity Scale score at least 5/10 Exclusion Criteria: * History of lower extremity or lumbar spine surgery. * History of lower extremity or lumbar spine injury in the prior 6 months. * History of major ligamentous damage. * Current knee pain. * Known neurological condition, autoimmune condition, cardiovascular disease. * History of epilepsy, seizures, concussion within the prior 6 months. * Currently taking pain altering medication. * Fear of needles * Unable to read and understand English language * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Michael W. Krzyzewski Human Performance Laboratory — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Laura S Pietrosimone, PT, DPT, PhD
- Email: laura.pietrosimone@duke.edu
- Phone: 919.684.8930
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.