Investigating physical activity's impact on knee joint health after ACL reconstruction
Investigating the Associations Between Physical Activity, Knee Joint Loading and Joint Health Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
This study is testing how different levels of physical activity affect knee joint health in people who have had ACL surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bath Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bath) |
| Trial ID | NCT05306054 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity and cartilage metabolism markers in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Participants will attend the laboratory multiple times, where they will wear accelerometers to track their physical activity and knee joint loading. The study involves urine and blood sample collections, questionnaires, and imaging to assess body composition and joint health. Additionally, participants will run on an instrumented treadmill to measure the forces exerted on their knees during activity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-39 who have had an ACL injury and reconstruction 1-7 years prior.
Not a fit: Patients with significant knee injuries other than the ACL injury or those who have injured both knees may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how physical activity influences joint health and recovery after ACL reconstruction, potentially guiding rehabilitation practices.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored physical activity and joint health, this specific approach focusing on ACL reconstruction and cartilage metabolism is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18-39 years old (i.e., ≥18 and \<40 years old) 2. Had an anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction 1-7 years ago (i.e., ≥1 and ≤7 years ago) 3. Can have sustained damage to meniscus or cartilage, or sustained bone bruising when injured anterior cruciate ligament 4. Can participate regardless of the type of reconstruction surgery and if undergone meniscectomy 5. Completed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation and either a surgeon, doctor or physiotherapist has provided clearance to participate in physical activity 6. Be able to attend the University of Bath within 2 hours of waking Exclusion Criteria: 1. Had another significant knee injury either before, at the same time, or after the anterior cruciate ligament injury (e.g., if they injured another ligament in their knee or had a fracture or dislocation) 2. Injured the anterior cruciate ligament in both knees (bilateral ACL injury) 3. Have/are experiencing a musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, metabolic or neurological disease or disorder 4. Under 18 or over 39 (i.e., ≥40) years of age 5. Body Mass Index ≥40 kg/m² 6. Pregnancy 7. Positive responses to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (aside from any involved knee joint issues)
Where this trial is running
Bath
- University of Bath — Bath, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karl Morgan, MSc — University of Bath
- Study coordinator: Karl Morgan, MSc
- Email: kdm40@bath.ac.uk
- Phone: (0)7853220282
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.