Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 to 40

Using Vitamin D to Boost Quadricep Strength After ACL Injury

Official title: Vitamin D as an Intervention for Improving Quadricep Muscle Strength in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05174611 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if taking Vitamin D3 can help young adults recovering from ACL surgery build stronger thigh muscles.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 17, 2025
Main results expectedMarch 17, 2028
Study endsSeptember 17, 2029
Registry record updatedMarch 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT05174611 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-40 with a unilateral ACL injury and low serum vitamin D levels who are four months post-surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant knee injuries or conditions that require altered rehabilitation, or those who are non-compliant with rehabilitation, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Vitamin D3 supplementation on quadriceps muscle strength in patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The study focuses on individuals aged 18-40 who have experienced a unilateral ACL injury and have low pre-operative serum vitamin D levels. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Vitamin D3 or a placebo, with the aim of determining if Vitamin D can enhance muscle mass and strength during rehabilitation. The trial seeks to address the persistent quadriceps muscle atrophy that affects recovery outcomes and return-to-play criteria.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved muscle strength and recovery outcomes for patients after ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using Vitamin D for this purpose may be novel, there is existing literature on the importance of vitamin D in muscle health, suggesting potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18-40 with unilateral ACL injury
2. Sporting injury with a Tegner score of 7
3. Pre-op serum vitamin D level \<20 ng/ml
4. 4 months post-ACLR with serum Vitamin D level remained \<20ng/ml
5. LSI for quadriceps strength \<70% of contralateral leg at 4-month isokinetic assessment
6. Both knees without history of injury/prior surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Concomitant bone fracture, major meniscus injury or full-thickness chondral injuries requiring altered rehabilitation program post-operatively
2. Pre-operative radiographic signs of arthritis
3. Metal implants that would cause interference on MRI
4. Non-HS graft for ACLR
5. Patient non-compliant to the rehabilitation program
6. Regular sunbed users

Where it's running

  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.