Nutritional intervention to improve recovery after knee surgery

Nutritional Intervention to Enhance Recovery After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Adults: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Not applicable Interventional Queen's University · NCT06233825

This study tests if adding omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids to the diet can help people recover better and keep their muscle strength after knee surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kingston, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06233825 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids on recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. It aims to address the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs during the critical early recovery phase post-surgery. Participants will receive specific nutritional interventions to evaluate their efficacy in mitigating muscle disuse atrophy. The study is particularly focused on the two-week period following surgery, where muscle loss is most pronounced.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament injury requiring reconstruction surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with muscular, neurological, or metabolic diseases, or those currently taking fish oils, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance recovery and functional mobility for patients undergoing knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with nutritional interventions in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed anterior cruciate ligament injury requiring reconstruction surgery
* Surgery in Kingston, ON
* Patellar tendon graft, quadriceps tendon graft, or hamstring tendon graft reconstruction procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any muscular, neurological, respiratory, or metabolic disease, subject to investigators' discernment, would negatively affect the subject's ability to comply with the study requirements
* Any form of cancer currently or in the last 5 years
* Bleeding disorders or antiplatelet / anticoagulation therapy
* Currently taking fish oils or within the last 6 months
* Regular consumption (≥ 2x week) of fish oil or oily fish in the last 6 months
* Allergy or sensitivity to fish, shellfish or safflower oils
* Currently taking any form of steroid or within the last 6 months
* Medical inability to attain magnetic resonance imaging scans
* Known irregular responses to physical activity (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, etc.)
* Surgery scheduled outside of research centre
* Scheduled surgery date \< 5 weeks away
* Pregnant or plans to become pregnant within the next 6 months
* Any current illness that impacts ability to participate in protocols

Where this trial is running

Kingston, Ontario

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 ReconstructionMuscular Atrophyomega-3 fatty acidsfish oileicosapentaenoic aciddocosahexaenoic acidskeletal muscleanterior cruciate ligament
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.