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Showing 1-8 of 8 trials
NCT07485530
This three-year research project aims to test the hypothesis that strain and displacement characteristics of human soft tissues are influenced by (1) habitual physical activity, (2) functional impairment, and (3) training interventions. Over the three years, the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow, the ankle tendon, and the hamstring muscles will be investigated sequentially. Ultrasound speckle-tracking techniques will be employed to verify these hypotheses and to provide a basis for clinical risk assessment of injury, development of therapeutic strategies, and evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes. In the first year, strain and displacement of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) in both longitudinal and transverse directions during passive isokinetic elbow valgus loading will be analyzed in baseball pitchers at high and low injury risk and in healthy controls. The results will be compared with ultrasonic shear-wave elastography. Participants will then undergo an 8-week low- to moderate-intensity blood-flow restriction resistance training program. This phase is expected to characterize ligament mechanical adaptations to long-term sports training, elucidate the relationship between such adaptations and injury risk, and evaluate the effects of resistance training on enhancing medial elbow joint stability. In the second year, individuals with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and healthy controls will be examined. Longitudinal strain and displacement, as well as transverse rotation and displacement of the tibialis posterior tendon during active ankle movements will be quantified and compared with shear-wave elastography measurements. These results are expected to clarify the relationship between tendon strain-displacement behavior and tendon dysfunction, provide mechanistic insights into tendon pathology, and inform optimal therapeutic strategies. In the third year, patients following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction will be investigated. Longitudinal strain and displacement of the hamstring graft donor site, specifically the semitendinosus muscle-tendon unit, following eccentric training will be assessed and compared with shear-wave elastography and electromyography. This phase is expected to characterize post-harvest semitendinosus muscle activity patterns and their associations with postoperative muscle strength deficits. By integrating findings across the three phases, the anticipated clinical implications of this project include determining whether: 1. adaptive responses of ligaments to repetitive tensile loading during long-term sports participation (including strain behavior and mechanical properties) can serve as screening indicators for injury risk, and evaluating the effects of blood-flow restriction resistance training in these populations; 2. three-dimensional strain, displacement, and rotation of tendons in response to muscle contraction and joint motion are associated with tendon dysfunction; and 3. strain and displacement characteristics of the semitendinosus muscle (in relation to muscle recruitment) can be improved through postoperative functional training following its use as a graft source.
NCT06762392
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy to a standardized rehabilitation protocol in patients undergoing postoperative rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does combining BFR therapy with a standardized rehabilitation protocol improve functional recovery compared to rehabilitation alone? Does the addition of BFR therapy enhance muscle strength and reduce recovery time in patients after ACL repair surgery? Participants will undergo their assigned rehabilitation protocol and will be assessed prior to and after the intervention to determine if the addition of BFR therapy to the standard rehabilitation programme significantly improves functional recovery, muscle strength, and overall rehabilitation outcomes following ACL repair surgery.
NCT07448064
Purpose: This study aims to better understand how force is produced during a vertical jump in individuals approximately six months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared with healthy individuals. After this type of knee surgery, many patients recover well clinically but may still present strength differences between the operated and non-operated leg. These differences are not always visible during routine clinical testing but may influence performance and potentially increase the risk of reinjury. By analyzing how force is generated during a standardized countermovement jump, this study seeks to identify whether biomechanical alterations persist at this stage of recovery and to improve decision-making related to rehabilitation and return to sport. Study Design: This is an observational comparative study. Participants who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a hamstring tendon graft will be assessed between five and seven months after surgery. Their results will be compared with those of healthy recreationally active individuals without a history of recent knee injury. No experimental treatment or modification of rehabilitation will be introduced as part of this study. Procedures: Participants will complete a brief standardized warm-up followed by three maximal vertical countermovement jumps performed on a force platform. During the test, participants will keep their hands on their hips and will be instructed to jump as quickly and as high as possible. The force platform measures ground reaction forces from each leg separately, allowing detailed analysis of the lowering phase (when the body bends before jumping) and the push-off phase (when the body propels upward). The entire testing session lasts only a few minutes and reflects movements commonly used in rehabilitation and sports settings. Measurements: The primary measurements include jump height and the mean force produced by each leg during both the eccentric (lowering) and concentric (push-off) phases of the jump. The study will also calculate limb symmetry indices to determine the degree of difference between the operated and non-operated legs. These measurements provide objective information about neuromuscular recovery and functional performance after surgery. Risks: The procedures involve physical activity comparable to exercises already performed during standard rehabilitation. The risks are minimal and similar to those encountered during routine physical training. Participants may stop the test at any time if they experience discomfort. Potential Benefits: Participants may not receive direct personal benefit from taking part in the study. However, the results may contribute to improving rehabilitation strategies, refining criteria used for return-to-sport decisions, and enhancing long-term functional outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A better understanding of persistent biomechanical alterations may ultimately help reduce the risk of secondary injury and optimize recovery pathways.
NCT07328139
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of an 8-week core stabilization exercise program on balance, trunk muscle endurance, and lower body strength. The study includes two groups of participants: 15 individuals who have had Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery and 15 healthy individuals. Both groups will perform the same core stabilization exercises for 8 weeks, twice a week, under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The goal is to determine if this exercise program improves balance and core strength in people who have had ACL surgery and to compare these results with those of healthy individuals performing the same exercises.
NCT06845150
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate changes in cognitive and physical performance after 10 weeks of dual or single task training in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed individuals. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does cognitive performance in ACL reconstructed individuals change after multiple training sessions incorporating single versus dual-task? * Does physical performance and intrinsic motivation for training change over the course of 10 weeks when performing single versus dual-task training sessions? * What movement patterns do ACL reconstructed individuals show during a dual-task training in an immersive environment? Researchers will compare a combined dual-task training (combined physical and cognitive training) to a single task training (physical and cognitive training separately) to see if there are changes on cognitive performance depending on the training type. Participants will: * Perform dual-task or single task training twice per week for 10 weeks * Visit the clinic before and after the training period for tests * Visit the movement laboratory once for analysis of movement patterns
NCT06818201
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a prevalent injury, particularly among young and physically active individuals. The efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exercise-based rehabilitation on neuromuscular control in post-ACL reconstruction patients is evaluated, and these techniques are combined.
NCT07128602
After knee surgery for a torn ACL, many women struggle with weak thigh muscles for years, partly due to reduced brain signals to these muscles. Our research tests a new approach to improve recovery by using low-level brain stimulation to boost these signals. The investigators will study 42 women, aged 18-35, who had ACL surgery. They'll be split into two groups: one receiving real brain stimulation and another getting a placebo, both during thigh-strengthening exercises. Over six sessions, the investigators measure thigh muscle strength, speed, and steadiness, plus two brain signal measures, using special equipment. The investigators will also check if stronger brain signals lead to better muscle performance, especially in women. Our goal is to show that this new method strengthens thigh muscles better than standard rehab, helping women recover better after surgery. If successful, this could improve physical therapy for women recovering from ACL surgery, making daily activities and return to sport easier.
NCT06809920
The objetive is compare knee joint stability, functional capacity, postural control, activation, and muscle strength of patients undergoing conventional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction or the conventional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction + Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction technique of the knee, and rehabilitation for up to nine months. This project aims to include patients with ACL injuries already treated at the Knee Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas da UEL (HC-UEL), coordinated by the orthopedic physician Dr. Lucas da Fonseca Borghi, who has his master's degree related to this research project. Twenty patients between 18 and 50 years old, of both sexes, sedentary and/or active and/or athletes, diagnosed with unilateral injury of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament will be included. These patients will be evaluated, submitted to ACL surgery (conservative) or associated with ALL reconstruction and undergo rehabilitation with physiotherapy in conjunction with the extension project Sports Physiotherapy from Theory to Practice - Phase III (PROEX-UEL No 02675), coordinated by Prof. Dr. Christiane S. Guerino Macedo - advisor of this research. Expected results: It is expected that the group undergoing ACL + ALL reconstruction will present better knee joint stability, functional capacity, postural control, activation and muscle strength.