Protein Supplementation After ACL Surgery

Launched by THE METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · Mar 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how protein supplements can help patients recover after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL (an important ligament in the knee). The main goal is to see if taking protein can prevent muscle loss during recovery and to gather information that could lead to a standard recommendation for protein use after ACL surgery. Researchers will measure muscle size using a special scan and will also look at participants' recovery progress through surveys and physical therapy assessments.

To participate in this trial, patients should be between the ages of 16 and 40 and must be having their first ACL surgery for a recent injury. However, individuals with certain health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, or recent cancer treatment, are not eligible to join. Participants can expect to take protein supplements as part of their recovery plan and will be monitored throughout the study to see how this affects their healing and muscle strength. Additionally, all participants will need to complete their rehabilitation at Houston Methodist, where the trial is being conducted.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects will include patients age 16 to 40 undergoing primary ACL reconstruction for an acute ACL tear with the PI or Sub-investigators
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects will not be included if they meet one of the following criteria
• • History of meniscectomy or meniscus repair
• • Obesity (BMI\>35)
• • Diabetes
• • Cardiovascular, renal, liver or pulmonary disease
• • Active infections
• • Cancer (current or treated within the past 2 years) or coagulation disorder
• • Rapid weight change within the past year
• • Physically unable to participate in the intervention
• • Are currently taking, or recently (w/in 1 month of participation) taken prescribed, or over the counter ergogenic aids or compounds known to be banned by the NCAA.
• • Less than 16 years of age
• • Vegan patients
• • Patient over the age of 40
• • Pregnancy ( As part of standard of care, all female participants will be administered a urine pregnancy test prior to surgery. A negative test result is required to participate in the study.)
• • Any known or diagnosed kidney, GI, or liver disorders
• * Taking any medications known to affect protein metabolism. This includes, but is not limited to any drugs involved in hormone replacement therapy to treat conditions such as:
• • Hypothyroidism: example - levothyroxine
• • Hypogonadism: example - exogenous testosterone, estrogen, or any other forms of androgenic or anabolic hormone compounds
• • Growth hormone or growth hormone analogues
• • Type I or Type II diabetes requiring insulin
• • Currently taking protein supplements, amino acid supplements, or any known ergogenic aids.
• • Notably, all patients would need to confirm they will be doing their rehab through Houston Methodist
• • Patients diagnosed with protein intolerance or digestive issues associated with consuming protein