Assessment of Gait Adaptation Due to an Asymmetric Walking Protocol
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-30
SponsorUniversity of Connecticut
About this trial
The purpose of this work is to conduct a comparative research-focused study to evaluate the effectiveness of how purposefully induced asymmetric walking protocols restore healthy, symmetric limb loading in individuals following post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. Additionally, computational modeling and machine learning to model knee loading in the clinic to determine the optimal asymmetric walking protocol to restore healthy gait in post-ACLR individuals.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Able to read and speak English
Age 18 - 30 years old
Undergone ACLR surgery at the UConn Musculoskeletal Institute
Must not have any concomitant surgeries or injuries
Disqualifiers
Participants who have any recent inflammation, bleeding disorders, active bleeding, or infection within the lower limbs.
History of injuries to their patellar tendon
Cannot walk for extended periods of time
Cannot have had any back and/or lower extremity injury that affects their ability to move.
Trial design
Design model
Crossover
Treatments tested in this trial
Active Comparator: 0.25 m/s asymmetric session first
Other interventionParticipants will first perform an asymmetric walking trial where the between-limb gait speed difference is 0.25 m/s on day one. On the second day, participants will perform an asymmetric walking trial where the between-limb gait speed difference is 0.50 m/s.
Active Comparator: 0.50 m/s asymmetric session first
Other interventionParticipants will first perform an asymmetric walking trial where the between-limb gait speed difference is 0.50 m/s on day one. On the second day, participants will perform an asymmetric walking trial where the between-limb gait speed difference is 0.25 m/s.
Treatment groups
40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: 0.25 m/s asymmetric session firstActive comparator 1 intervention
Group B: 0.50 m/s asymmetric walking session firstActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Change in Loading Rate
The rate at which the force is generated (Body Weight/sec). A decrease in loading rate would suggest that the participants adopted improved motor control while an increase would reflect impaired of motor control.
Time frame
Screening, Baseline, and Post-Treatment (immediately following the completion of the second session)2
Change in Peak Vertical Ground Reaction Force
The largest force (newtons) produced during stance. An increase in force would that the participants are not properly engaging their muscles to control their movement.
Time frame
Baseline, Post-Treatment (immediately following the completion of the second session)3
Change in Stride Time
The time (seconds) measure from initial contact on the foot to the next initial contact on the same foot. A reduction in stride time would indicate that the participants are walking faster and more comfortable applying force to their limb during walking. An increase in walking speed, suggests that the participants are uncomfortable applying force to their limb.
Time frame
Baseline, Post-Treatment (immediately following the completion of the second session)4
Change in Knee Loading
The forces (newtons) experienced at the knee. An increase in knee loading would indicate that they participants are unable to properly support their knee during walking, while a reduction in knee loads would indicate the participants are engaging the appropriate muscles to support their knee during walking.
Time frame
Baseline, Post-Treatment (immediately following the completion of the second session)Sponsors and contacts
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University of Connecticut
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov