Early gait training to prevent knee cartilage degeneration after ACL surgery

Effect of Early Gait Training on Knee Cartilage Degeneration After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Not applicable Interventional Peking University Third Hospital · NCT06368544

This study tests if starting walking training right after ACL surgery can help prevent knee cartilage damage in patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking University Third Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06368544 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of early gait training on patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It involves a randomized controlled design where one group receives standard rehabilitation while the other group also participates in gait training during the early postoperative period. The study aims to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of gait and the biochemical health of knee cartilage using motion testing and functional MRI. The goal is to provide insights that could guide rehabilitation practices and reduce the risk of cartilage degeneration.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged individuals with a primary unilateral ACL rupture who are within six months of their injury and have a normal BMI.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant knee injuries, metabolic syndrome, or those outside the normal BMI range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes and prevent long-term knee issues for patients after ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in this area, the specific combination of early gait training and its effects on cartilage health post-ACLR is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with ACL rupture were diagnosed by MRI;
2. Unilateral ACL rupture for the first time should be performed in our hospital (Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital)The art of reconstruction;
3. Normal BMI range: 18.5-23.9 kg/m2;
4. Within 6 months from the trauma;
5. The affected knee joint has passed the acute stage, no obvious redness, pain,inflammation, and limited joint motion,basically restore joint motion.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. BMI\<18.5 kg/m2 or BMI≥24 kg/m2);
2. There is a history of contralateral lower limb musculoskeletal system injury and surgery;
3. ACL injury time \> 6 months;
4. Outerbridge damage rating Ⅲ and Ⅳ;
5. Patients with meniscal tears who are expected to undergo meniscal suture surgery at the time of ACLR surgery;
6. Serious injury to the posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, or lateral collateral ligament;
7. There is metabolic syndrome (obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, etc.), which will involve articular cartilage Epidemic diseases, serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, etc.;
8. Those who do not want to accept this treatment

Where this trial is running

Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesCartilage Degenerationanterior cruciate ligament injuriesgait trainingCartilage biochemical characteristicsanterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.