Tracking Muscle Quality Following ACLR

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a ligament in the knee that helps control how the knee moves. When someone tears their ACL, the muscles around their knee get weaker because they can’t fully use and exercise the knee. ACL reconstruction surgery repairs the torn ligament, but the muscles are still weak from not being used normally. After surgery, physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles again through exercises that safely move the knee joint. This research is being done to compare methods of examining skeletal muscle quality during rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction. This study will help researchers and clinicians better understand the changes that occur in muscles following ACL reconstruction, and what methods are useful for tracking progress.

Inclusion Qualifications:

Ages 15-35
Individuals who have undergone ACL reconstruction surgery in the past two weeks.
Willingness to participate in physical therapy (including coverage of financial costs) and scheduled laboratory visits after reconstruction surgery.
Reliable transportation

Exclusion Qualifications:

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

Body mass index < 20 kg/m²or > 35 kg/m²
Individuals who elected to have ACL reconstruction more than 1 year after sustaining ACL injury
Non-English speakers
Bilateral ACLR
Current knee pain or pathology (e.g., patellofemoral pain, osteoarthritis, Osgood-Schlatter, tendon pain, bursitis, etc.) on the nonsurgical leg
History of intra-articular or anabolic steroid injections within the past six months
History of cancer
Current pregnancy
Limb amputation
Allergy to ultrasound gel
Metabolic disease (e.g., Diabetes)
Neuromuscular or degenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, ALS, Huntington’s disease, MS, etc.)
History of stroke
Use of hormone therapies within the past six months

Participate in this Research

Submitting this form will put you in contact with the main point of contact for this project. They will provide more information and determine if you meet all of the qualifications needed.