Study of Real-Time Gait Biofeedback for Knee Rehabilitation in Patients Aged 16 to 35 After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study the effects of real-time gait biofeedback on early signs of fast-progressing osteoarthritis FastOA in patients who have had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ACLR. The study focuses on patients aged 16 to 35 who had ACLR surgery between 6 months and 5 years ago. It evaluates changes in knee joint forces, cartilage strain, and joint tissue metabolism markers over time to understand how gait biofeedback may influence knee health. Participants will take part in two types of gait biofeedback training regimens delivered over 18 step gait sessions within a 6-week period. One group receives real-time biofeedback aimed at normalizing the vertical ground reaction force vGRF for each limb, while the other group receives sham biofeedback based on their habitual step length. Feedback intensity increases to 3,000 steps by the fifth session and then gradually decreases from the 11th session onward. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months to measure changes in vertical ground reaction force, knee joint contact forces, tibial cartilage strain, and biomarkers related to joint tissue metabolism and inflammation. Patient-reported quality of life and knee function will also be evaluated. These detailed measurements help researchers understand the impact of gait biofeedback on knee rehabilitation and osteoarthritis progression over time.

Gait Rehabilitation to Treat FastOA