RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Do Patients With ACL Tears Demonstrate Weakness of the Soleus Muscle?

This study aims to understand if an ACL tear, a common knee injury, leads to a weaker calf muscle called the soleus. Previous research suggests the soleus muscle helps protect the ACL. We'll measure soleus strength using special equipment and ask participants about their knee stability. We want to see if there's a difference in strength between the injured and uninjured leg, and also compare people with ACL tears to healthy individuals. The study will also explore if any soleus weakness is linked to how people feel about their knee and its stability. This information could help improve rehabilitation for ACL injuries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

Start

17 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

ACL Tear ACL-injury ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

What is this study about?

You've probably heard of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – it's a really important band of tissue in your knee that helps keep it stable. An ACL tear is a common injury, especially in sports. This study is trying to find out if having an ACL tear means that one of your calf muscles, called the soleus, might become weaker. The soleus muscle is in the lower part of your leg and some experts believe it plays a role in protecting your ACL.

To figure this out, we'll be comparing the strength of the soleus muscle in people who have an ACL tear with those who don't. We'll use a special machine to measure the force your leg can produce. We're also interested in whether any weakness in the soleus muscle is related to how stable your knee feels and how well you can move it after an ACL injury. Participants will also fill out a questionnaire about their knee to help us understand their experiences.

The main goal here is to learn more about the connection between ACL tears and calf muscle strength. This knowledge could be really helpful for doctors and physical therapists designing better rehabilitation programmes for people recovering from ACL injuries, potentially leading to more effective ways to get your knee strong and stable again.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if an ACL tear causes weakness in a calf muscle called the soleus.
It uses special equipment to measure leg strength in people with and without ACL tears.
Participants will also complete a questionnaire about their knee stability.
The findings could help improve future recovery plans for ACL injuries.
Participation involves short, safe strength tests and filling out a form.
You are free to leave the study at any point.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be between 18 and 55 years old and have an ACL tear confirmed by an MRI scan. It's important that you are happy to provide written permission for your information to be used in the study.

If you don't have an ACL tear, you might still be able to join as a 'healthy volunteer'. For this, you shouldn't have had any major leg injuries in the past, or current leg pain from old minor injuries. You also shouldn't have had any leg surgery before, or be taking most types of prescription or over-the-counter medications (vitamins and birth control pills are usually fine).

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include having long-term leg pain or conditions that might be made worse by strength testing, such as certain heart conditions, severe bone thinning (osteoporosis), or neurological problems like Parkinson's disease. We also can't include you if you're experiencing pain, swelling in your knee, or if you're pregnant.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Do you have an ACL tear confirmed by an MRI scan?
Do you NOT have any ongoing long-term conditions affecting your legs or muscles?
Have you NOT had any surgery on your lower leg before (if a healthy volunteer)?
Are you NOT pregnant and don't have current knee pain or swelling?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have your soleus muscle strength tested using a special device called a VALD force frame. You'll sit down, and the machine will measure the force your leg produces. This test will be done three times on each leg. You will also fill out a questionnaire about your knee's stability called the IKDC form. If you're a patient recovering from an ACL injury, these measurements will be taken as part of your regular physiotherapy treatment. Healthy volunteers will go through the same strength tests. You will complete the knee questionnaire at the start and end of your rehabilitation period, if applicable. The exact total duration of your participation will depend on your individual rehabilitation plan, but the testing itself takes a short amount of time during a single visit for each assessment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer a small benefit by providing more detailed information about your own muscle strength and knee function, which could be useful for your rehabilitation plan. However, the main benefit is contributing to a better understanding of ACL injuries, which could help future patients. The risks are very low; the strength tests are generally safe, but there's a small chance of minor discomfort during the exercises. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Aintree Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the soleus muscle?

The soleus is one of the main muscles in your calf, located at the back of your lower leg. It helps you point your toes downwards.

What is an ACL tear?

An ACL tear is an injury to a key ligament in your knee (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) that helps keep your knee stable.

Will I have to take any new medication for this study?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It focuses on muscle strength and knee function.

How long will my visit to the clinic be for the tests?

The strength testing and questionnaire part of the study should be relatively quick, lasting only a short time during your visit.

Will I know my results?

While the study aims to collect overall data, you can discuss with your healthcare team if they can share information relevant to your personal rehabilitation.

How to find out more

Richard Norris

richard.norris2@liverpoolft.nhs.uk 07766718618 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.