Assessing soleus muscle strength in patients with ACL tears

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.