Using micro-Doppler radar to assess ACL reconstruction outcomes

The Use of Micro-Doppler Radar to Identify Service Members at Risk for Musculoskeletal Injury: A Gold Standard Comparison

Observational Milton S. Hershey Medical Center · NCT05521126

This study is testing if a new radar technology can better tell apart people who have had ACL surgery from those who haven't by looking at their movements during activities.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorMilton S. Hershey Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Annville, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05521126 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to validate the use of micro-Doppler signal (MDS) technology in differentiating individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction from those who have not. The study will compare movement data from a group of adults aged 18-40 who have had ACL surgery with a control group of healthy adults. Participants will perform functional activities while their movements are captured using both MDS radar and biomechanical motion capture systems. The goal is to determine if MDS can more accurately identify individuals at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries compared to traditional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-40 who have undergone ACL reconstruction between 9 and 24 months prior to recruitment, with no current musculoskeletal injuries.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18-40, those with a history of lower extremity surgery, or current musculoskeletal injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for identifying individuals at high risk for re-injury after ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced motion capture technologies for assessing injury risk, but the application of micro-Doppler radar in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

High risk cohort

* age 18-40
* history of ACL reconstruction
* no current musculoskeletal injuries
* ACL repair between 9 and 24 months prior to recruitment

Control cohort

* age 18-40
* never had lower extremity surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

High risk cohort

* age \<18 or \>40
* pregnancy
* institutionalization
* history of cerebral vascular accident
* unable to provide informed consent
* inability to perform study activities
* history of hip or knee replacement
* inability to walk or jump without a limp
* current neuromuscular disease
* any surgery in the last 6 months

Control cohort

* age \< 18 or \> 40
* pregnancy
* institutionalization
* history of Cerebral Vascular Accident
* unable to provide informed consent
* inability to perform study activities
* history of knee or hip replacement
* inability to walk or jump without a limp
* current neuromuscular disease
* history of lower extremity surgery
* any surgery in the last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Annville, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations

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 Musculoskeletal InjuryAnterior Cruciate Ligament Injuriesmusculoskeletal injuryanterior cruciate ligament injuryanterior cruciate ligament repairmicro-Doppler radarmotion capture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.