HemoNIRS: a Paradigm Shift in the Process of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation of ACL Injuries in Cyclic Sports Athletes.

Launched by UNIVERSITAT DE LLEIDA · Sep 27, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The HemoNIRS trial is studying how injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) affect muscle performance and blood flow in athletes who engage in sports with repetitive movements. The goal is to use a special device called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure blood circulation and oxygen levels in the muscles of male athletes who have had ACL surgery. The study will include three groups: those who had surgery less than six months ago, those who had surgery more than two years ago and are active in sports, and a control group of athletes who have never had an ACL injury.

To be eligible for the study, participants should be men aged 18 to 65 who regularly train or compete in sports at least three times a week. They should also have a low amount of body fat in the areas where measurements will be taken. Participants can expect to perform a specific exercise test on a stationary bike or treadmill, during which their muscle blood flow and oxygen levels will be recorded. It's important to note that anyone with significant health issues, such as severe medical conditions or pain that limits their ability to exercise, will not be included in the trial. This study aims to provide valuable insights into how ACL injuries impact recovery and muscle function over time.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• • General inclusion criteria
• • Men aged 18 to 65
• • An adipose layer of \<2 cm in areas of NIRS placement, assessed with a plicometer
• • Understand written, read and spoken Spanish, English or Catalan.
• • General exclusion criteria
• • Having any cardio-metabolic, hormonal, neurological or other comorbidities that could affect participation in the study (e.g. severe mental illness, end-stage disease).
• • Eligibility criteria (LCA1 group)
• • Regular athlete with training and/or competition \>3 days/wk prior to injury.
• • ACL injury \<6 months after surgery.
• • Able to perform an incremental intervallic test on a cycloergometer or treadmill.
• • Eligibility criteria (LCA2 group)
• • Regular athlete with training and/or competition \>3 days a week.
• • ACL injury \>2 years after surgery.
• • Able to perform an incremental intervallic test on a cycloergometer or treadmill.
• • Eligibility criteria (CON group)
• • Regular athlete with training and/or competition \>3 days a week.
• • Never suffered an ACL injury in any knee - Able to perform incremental intervallic test on cycleergometer or treadmill.
• • All the groups exclusion criteria
• • - Incapacitating pain that prevents assessment