Evaluating walking patterns after ACL reconstruction
Assessment of Gait Adaptation Due to an Asymmetric Walking Protocol
This study is testing if different walking patterns can help people recover better after ACL surgery by looking at how their knees are loaded while walking.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Connecticut Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Storrs, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT05968729 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to assess how asymmetric walking protocols can help restore healthy limb loading in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. Participants will engage in two sessions of walking with controlled speed differences between limbs to evaluate the effectiveness of these protocols. The study will utilize computational modeling and machine learning to analyze knee loading and determine the optimal walking conditions for recovery. Each participant will complete both walking sessions on separate days, with a minimum of three weeks between sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-30 who have recently undergone ACLR surgery and exhibit between-limb gait differences.
Not a fit: Patients with recent lower limb injuries, inflammation, or those unable to walk for extended periods may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation protocols that enhance recovery and restore normal gait in patients post-ACLR.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using asymmetric walking protocols is novel, similar studies have shown promise in gait rehabilitation post-surgery.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Able to read and speak English 2. Age 18 - 30 years old 3. Undergone ACLR surgery at the UConn Musculoskeletal Institute 4. Must not have any concomitant surgeries or injuries 5. Must be cleared to return-to-sport by a physician after they have completed rehabilitation 6. Must be within 1 month of having been cleared for return-to-sport 7. Must present with between-limb gait differences in load rate greater than 10% Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants who have any recent inflammation, bleeding disorders, active bleeding, or infection within the lower limbs. 2. History of injuries to their patellar tendon 3. Cannot walk for extended periods of time 4. Cannot have had any back and/or lower extremity injury that affects their ability to move. 5. Cannot have difficulty or pain with walking, raising your arms, jogging, or jumping 6. Must not be allergic to tape.
Where this trial is running
Storrs, Connecticut
- University of Connecticut — Storrs, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristin Morgan, PhD — University of Connecticut
- Study coordinator: Kristin Morgan, PhD
- Email: kristin.2.morgan@uconn.edu
- Phone: 860-486-8118
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.