CHPS RESEARCH STUDIES

Quadriceps motor unit adaptation to simulated knee injury

The purpose of this study is to learn more about thigh (quadriceps) muscle function. We know that quadriceps muscle function changes after a knee injury occurs and that those changes can affect the way people move and feel about their overall health. Since quadriceps muscle impairments are resistant to common forms of rehabilitation and exercise, our goal is to better understand quadriceps muscle function changes following a simulated knee injury using a comprehensive, yet novel assessment of motor unit characteristics – these represent the connection between your nerves and muscles and are responsible for making your muscles function properly. Overall, we hope to get information that may improve treatments for muscular impairments among those with knee injuries.

We expect that you will be in this research study for 1 session, lasting about 2 hours. You will be asked to complete several online questionnaires that ask questions related to your physical activity level, knee discomfort, and anxiety. In addition, you will be asked to perform several tests that assess different aspects of your thigh muscle function at the UCF Cognition, Neuroplasticity, & Sarcopenia (CNS) Laboratory. You will be randomized into either an experimental group, in which your knee is injected with sterile fluid (saline) or a numbing fluid (lidocaine) to simulate a knee injury, or to a control group, in which you complete study procedures with no knee injection. We will not know which group you are randomized to until you arrive for your scheduled study session.

Inclusion Qualifications:

completed a prescreening questionnaire that determined you are eligible for this study
are currently between the ages of 18 and 30 and
are physically active as defined by reporting a 5 or higher current activity level on the Tegner Activity Scale with no prior history of major injury requiring medical care or surgery to your lower body

Exclusion Qualifications:

You may not participate in this research opportunity if any of the following applies to you:

have any infections on your legs
have a diagnosis of lower body muscle abnormalities
have a history of heart disease, neurological disorders, or psychiatric disorders
have a history of traumatic brain injuries
be taking any medications that may affect your responses to study procedures
be pregnant
be unable to tolerate electrical stimulation or needles
have any known allergy to lidocaine (common medication used for numbing of skin in dental or medical procedures). Please note that allergies to lidocaine are very rare

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