Protein supplementation after ACL surgery

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 study evaluates the effects of protein supplementation on muscle atrophy in patients recovering from ACL reconstruction. Participants aged 16 to 40 will be randomly assigned to receive either a placebo, protein supplementation, or protein with amino acids for 12 weeks post-surgery. Muscle size and mass will be measured using DEXA scanning, alongside functional assessments through surveys and physical therapy metrics. The goal is to determine if protein supplementation can standardize post-operative care protocols for ACL reconstruction patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects will include patients age 16 to 40 undergoing primary ACL reconstruction for an acute ACL tear with the PI or Sub-investigators

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects will not be included if they meet one of the following criteria

  * History of meniscectomy or meniscus repair
  * Obesity (BMI\>35)
  * Diabetes
  * Cardiovascular, renal, liver or pulmonary disease
  * Active infections
  * Cancer (current or treated within the past 2 years) or coagulation disorder
  * Rapid weight change within the past year
  * Physically unable to participate in the intervention
  * Are currently taking, or recently (w/in 1 month of participation) taken prescribed, or over the counter ergogenic aids or compounds known to be banned by the NCAA.
  * Less than 16 years of age
  * Vegan patients
  * Patient over the age of 40
  * Pregnancy ( As part of standard of care, all female participants will be administered a urine pregnancy test prior to surgery. A negative test result is required to participate in the study.)
  * Any known or diagnosed kidney, GI, or liver disorders
  * Taking any medications known to affect protein metabolism. This includes, but is not limited to any drugs involved in hormone replacement therapy to treat conditions such as:

    * Hypothyroidism: example - levothyroxine
    * Hypogonadism: example - exogenous testosterone, estrogen, or any other forms of androgenic or anabolic hormone compounds
    * Growth hormone or growth hormone analogues
    * Type I or Type II diabetes requiring insulin
  * Currently taking protein supplements, amino acid supplements, or any known ergogenic aids.
  * Notably, all patients would need to confirm they will be doing their rehab through Houston Methodist
  * Patients diagnosed with protein intolerance or digestive issues associated with consuming protein

Where it's running

• Houston Methodist
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Haley Goble, MHA
• Email: hmgoble@houstonmethodist.org
• Phone: 7134413930

Similar studies

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

• Plyometric training added to standard rehab after ACL reconstruction

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• Isokinetic vs Plyometric Training After ACL Reconstruction

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• ACL reconstruction using the Over-The-Top technique with either metal staples or soft anchors

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• Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with peroneus longus graft with or without a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection

  This test sees if a single 4 ml intra-articular PRP injection given during ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus graft helps adults (18–50) with isolated ACL tears recover better over 12 months.

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• Movement-related fear after ACL reconstruction: general kinesiophobia versus task-specific sport fear

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  Recruiting at 2 sites Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL · Caparica, Almada and 1 other locations · NCT07190456

• ACL reconstruction with lateral extra‑articular tenodesis (LET): clinical and biomechanical outcomes

  This project will see if adding lateral extra‑articular tenodesis (LET) to ACL reconstruction changes knee stability and recovery in adults 18–50 who receive gracilis and semitendinosus grafts.

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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.