Assessing soleus muscle strength in patients with ACL tears
Do Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears Demonstrate Weakness of the Soleus Muscle?
This study is testing the strength of a muscle in the calf of people with ACL tears to see how it compares to their uninjured leg and to healthy volunteers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 55 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Liverpool Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Liverpool) |
| Trial ID | NCT06235736 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the strength of the soleus muscle in individuals with MRI-confirmed ACL tears. Participants will undergo strength testing using the VALD force frame to measure plantar flexor strength, comparing results between injured and uninjured limbs. The study will also assess correlations between soleus strength and patient-reported outcomes related to knee stability. Healthy volunteers will serve as a control group to establish normative values for comparison.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 55 with an MRI-confirmed ACL tear who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders or significant lower limb injuries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation strategies for ACL tear patients by identifying specific muscle weaknesses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the importance of the soleus muscle in ACL injuries, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: ACL tear participants: * MRI-confirmed ACL tear. * Participant is willing and able to give informed consent in writing for participation in the study. * Male or Female, aged 18 years to 55 years of age. * No contraindications to strength testing (see exclusion criteria). Normative values from healthy individuals: * No current or previous history of significant lower limb injury, or a history of previous minor injury that is symptomatic at the time of recruitment. * No previous lower limb surgery. * No course of medication, whether prescribed or over the counter, other than vitamins and mineral supplements or, for females, oral contraceptives. Exclusion Criteria: * History of chronic musculoskeletal disease or disorder in either leg that may put the participants at risk because of participation in the study including non-united fractures, epilepsy, cardiac insufficiency, severe peripheral vascular disease, aneurysms, anticoagulant therapy, recent (\<3 months) radiotherapy or chemotherapy, long term steroid use (\>3 months), pregnancy, neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), skin conditions at point of force testing, severe osteoporosis, malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis. * Conditions or symptoms that may influence the result of the study, or the participant's ability to participate in the study including pain, limited range of motion, knee effusion, or anaemia.
Where this trial is running
Liverpool
- Aintree Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Liverpool, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rachel Oldershaw — University of Liverpool
- Study coordinator: Richard Norris
- Email: Richard.Norris2@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
- Phone: 07766718618
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.