Fractal versus steady visual walking cues after ACL reconstruction

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 randomized crossover trial has each participant complete two treadmill walking sessions with visual cues: one using individualized fractal cueing and one using isochronous (steady) cueing, with the order randomized. Each cued trial lasts 12 minutes and is surrounded by uncued walking trials, while gait is recorded at high resolution by a Bertec treadmill. Fractal cues are personalized to each person’s stride-time variability using a fractal algorithm and detrended fluctuation analysis, whereas isochronous cues match average stride time without variability. Participants synchronize heel strikes of the reconstructed limb to a moving bar on a screen while supervised by trained staff.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergone unilateral ACL reconstruction less than 2 years ago;
* Have medical release for the full load on the injury limb for at least 2 weeks;
* Be independently pain-free walking;
* Being sports athletes according to an athlete description: Training regularly to improve performance, actively participating in competitions or formally registering in a sports federation or association;
* Must be able to understand and perform the requested task.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with previous surgery on either knee;
* Those with more than 3 months between ACL injury and surgery;
* More than 2 weeks between surgery and the start of physical therapy;
* Had another musculoskeletal injury in the lower limb within the past 6 months;
* Another musculoskeletal surgery within the past 18 months;
* Participants with a history of movement system pathologies, such as nervous system, cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary, or endocrine conditions;
* Participants with vestibular or somatosensory system pathologies or visual impairments limiting their ability to see the metronome required for the task;
* Use of medications that could affect locomotion and balance.

Where it's running

• Egas Moniz School of Health & Science
  Almada, Monte de Caparica, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Inês D Ribeiro, MSC Student
• Email: 115360@alunos.egasmoniz.edu.pt
• Phone: (+351) 964 544 607

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Donor ankle sensorimotor recovery after ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus graft

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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.