Improving muscle repair after knee surgery
Official title: Regulation of Protein Turnover in Connective Tissue From Muscle and Tendon Following Muscle Tissue Injury
Run by Bispebjerg Hospital · NCT05746650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if giving growth hormone or a placebo, along with electrical stimulation of the hamstring muscles, can help patients recover better after knee surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bispebjerg Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Copenhagen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 24, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05746650 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy men and women with a BMI between 18 and 35 who are scheduled for reconstructive knee surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of growth hormone or anabolic steroid use, chronic diseases, or those taking medications affecting muscle turnover may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study involves 40 patients scheduled for reconstructive knee surgery who will be randomized to receive either growth hormone or a placebo, with or without neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the hamstring muscles. The primary goal is to assess the impact of these interventions on muscle connective tissue protein synthesis and its role in muscle injury and repair. The study will last for two weeks and aims to provide insights into enhancing recovery following muscle injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery outcomes for patients undergoing knee surgery by enhancing muscle repair processes.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in muscle repair, this specific approach combining growth hormone and electrical stimulation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy men and women scheduled to undergo reconstructive knee surgery * BMI 18-35 Exclusion Criteria: * Former or current use of growth hormone or anabolic steroids * Use of corticosteroids in the past 3 months * Use of any medication known to affect muscle or tendon turnover * Former participation in a study using deuterated water * Chronic diseases
Where it's running
-
Bispebjerg Hospital
Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Grith Højfeldt, PhD — Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital
- Study coordinator: Grith Stougaard Højfeldt, PhD
- Email: grith.stougaard.hoejfeldt@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 61651061
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.