Do Patients With ACL Tears Demonstrate Weakness of the Soleus Muscle?

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL · Jan 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether people who have suffered a tear in their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) show weakness in a specific muscle in the calf called the soleus muscle. The researchers want to find out if there is a difference in strength between the soleus muscle of the injured leg and the uninjured leg, and how this relates to patients' reported feelings of knee stability and function. To do this, participants will perform a strength test using a special device while sitting down, and they will also complete a questionnaire about their knee stability.

To participate, individuals need to be between 18 and 55 years old and have a confirmed ACL tear through MRI. They should not have any significant lower limb injuries or conditions that could affect the test results. Participants will be asked to perform strength tests on both legs and fill out a questionnaire, which will help researchers understand the role of the soleus muscle in ACL injuries. This study is currently recruiting participants, and everyone's involvement will contribute to better understanding and treatment of ACL injuries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• ACL tear participants:
• • MRI-confirmed ACL tear.
• • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent in writing for participation in the study.
• • Male or Female, aged 18 years to 55 years of age.
• • No contraindications to strength testing (see exclusion criteria).
• Normative values from healthy individuals:
• • No current or previous history of significant lower limb injury, or a history of previous minor injury that is symptomatic at the time of recruitment.
• • No previous lower limb surgery.
• • No course of medication, whether prescribed or over the counter, other than vitamins and mineral supplements or, for females, oral contraceptives.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of chronic musculoskeletal disease or disorder in either leg that may put the participants at risk because of participation in the study including non-united fractures, epilepsy, cardiac insufficiency, severe peripheral vascular disease, aneurysms, anticoagulant therapy, recent (\<3 months) radiotherapy or chemotherapy, long term steroid use (\>3 months), pregnancy, neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), skin conditions at point of force testing, severe osteoporosis, malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis.
• • Conditions or symptoms that may influence the result of the study, or the participant's ability to participate in the study including pain, limited range of motion, knee effusion, or anaemia.

Trial Officials