Training program to improve knee biomechanics after ACL reconstruction

Mi-SPA: Michigan Split-belt Adaptation Paradigm to Improve Knee Loading After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (Aim 2)

Not applicable Interventional University of Michigan · NCT06529679

This study tests if a special treadmill training can help people who had ACL surgery improve their knee movement and reduce the chance of getting hurt again.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT06529679 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of split-belt treadmill training on knee loading in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Participants will engage in a 20-minute training session where treadmill belts operate at different speeds to promote adaptive changes in gait mechanics. The study will compare the knee joint moments between those using split-belt training and tied-belt training, focusing on early and mid-stance loading. The goal is to identify effective rehabilitation strategies to reduce the risk of re-injury and long-term complications such as osteoarthritis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 14-45 who have recently undergone ACL reconstruction with autograft.

Not a fit: Patients with previous knee injuries, surgeries, or those who had ACL reconstruction with an allograft will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this training program could enhance knee function and reduce the risk of re-injury in patients recovering from ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that split-belt treadmill training can significantly improve gait biomechanics in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach in ACL rehabilitation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* aged 14-45 years
* suffered an acute, complete ACL rupture as confirmed by MRI and physical exam
* have undergone ACL reconstruction w autograft within the past 10 months
* willingness to participate in testing and follow-up as outlined in the protocol
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to provide written informed consent
* female subjects who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant (self-reported)
* previous ACL injury
* previous surgery to either knee
* bony fracture accompanying ACL injury
* patients who experienced a knee dislocation
* patients who had their ACL reconstructed with an allograft
* patients who underwent a multi-ligamentous and/or staged ACL reconstruction

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

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 ACLACL InjuryBiomechanicsKnee loadingSplit-beltAsymmetric Walking
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.