Actively Recruiting
Assessment of Gait Adaptation Due to an Asymmetric Walking Protocol
Led by University of Connecticut · Updated on 2025-08-27
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Connecticut
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery to evaluate how specific asymmetric walking patterns can help restore balanced limb loading. The study aims to compare two different walking speed differences applied between the legs to see which better improves gait symmetry and reduces harmful knee stress. Computational modeling and machine learning will also be used to model knee loading in clinical settings to identify the best asymmetric walking approach for these patients. Participants will take part in two separate asymmetric walking sessions on different days, with at least three weeks between sessions. One session involves walking where one leg moves at 1.0 m/s and the other at 1.25 m/s (a 0.25 m/s speed difference), and the other session involves a 0.50 m/s difference where one leg moves at 1.0 m/s and the other at 1.5 m/s. Each session includes three 15-minute asymmetric walking intervals followed by 5-minute periods of walking symmetrically at 1.0 m/s. The order of sessions is randomized for each participant. During the study, researchers will gather data on walking patterns and knee joint loading before and immediately after the sessions. They will measure changes in loading rate, ground reaction forces, stride time, and knee loading using patient-specific simulations. The study will assess how these asymmetric walking protocols influence gait and joint stress in post-ACLR individuals. The total participation spans across the two walking sessions with a minimum three-week gap between them.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Assessment of Gait Adaptation Due to an Asymmetric Walking Protocol
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Able to read and speak English
- Age 18 to 30 years old
- Undergone ACLR surgery at the UConn Musculoskeletal Institute
- No concomitant surgeries or injuries
- Cleared by a physician to return to sport after rehabilitation
- Within 1 month of being cleared for return to sport
- Present with between-limb gait differences in load rate greater than 10%
You will not qualify if you...
- Recent inflammation, bleeding disorders, active bleeding, or infection in lower limbs
- History of injuries to the patellar tendon
- Inability to walk for extended periods
- Any back or lower extremity injury affecting movement
- Difficulty or pain with walking, raising arms, jogging, or jumping
- Allergy to tape
AI-Screening
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Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - At least 3 weeks between sessions
Participants perform two separate asymmetric walking protocol sessions on different days, walking with between-limb gait speed differences of 0.25 m/s and 0.50 m/s in randomized order, with at least 3 weeks between sessions.
2 visits (in-person) on separate days
Duration - Immediately after second session
Participants undergo assessments immediately following the completion of the second walking session to evaluate changes in gait and knee loading.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States, 06269
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kristin Morgan, PhD
N
Noah Davidson, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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