West Point

This research aims to evaluate the effects of a new wearable electrical stimulation knee sleeve device called KneeStim on recovery after anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction in United States Military Academy cadets aged 17 to 27 years. The study focuses on how using KneeStim during post-operative rehabilitation might improve gait, muscle mass, patient-reported outcomes, and speed up return to full duty. Researchers also want to compare measurements from the KneeStim device with standard tools like MRI and 3D motion capture. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving standard care plus KneeStim at a controlled low intensity, and the other receiving standard care plus KneeStim at a flexible higher intensity. They will use the KneeStim device during rehabilitation visits for the first 5 weeks after surgery and then continue wearing it during daily activities from weeks 6 to 12. The study includes various assessments such as body composition analysis, MRI scans, strength testing, and gait analysis. During the study, participants will complete surveys and undergo multiple tests before surgery and up to 12 months after surgery to track changes in gait, muscle volume, knee pain, function, and overall quality of life. Researchers will monitor progress through tools like bioelectrical impedance analysis, motion capture, and patient-reported outcome measures. The study lasts for 12 months post-operative, with data collected at scheduled intervals to assess recovery and device performance.

This research aims to find the most effective running retraining technique to reduce ground contact time in healthy runners. The study will compare three common running retraining methods to see how they affect ground contact time and other biomechanical variables during running at a comfortable speed. The goal is to provide helpful guidance for clinicians and researchers interested in running injury prevention and performance. Participants will experience three running conditions at their self-selected comfortable speed for a 30-minute run. The first condition involves verbal cues to pull your foot off the ground as quickly as you can every 15 seconds. The second uses a metronome set 10% above the runners preferred step rate to provide auditory feedback. The third condition offers real-time visual feedback of ground contact time via a commercial inertial measurement unit, aiming for a target 5% below their baseline ground contact time. During the study, participants will run at baseline and then under each of the three retraining conditions. Researchers will measure ground contact time, step rate, average vertical loading rate, braking impulse, and step length before and during each condition. Participants will also rate exertion, difficulty, and naturalness of each technique. The study will monitor these outcomes within a single session to evaluate which retraining method best reduces ground contact time and is easiest to perform.

Researchers are investigating weight management experiences worldwide through the International Weight Control Registry IWCR. This observational study aims to better understand the challenges and opportunities related to obesity by collecting information from adults with various experiences in weight loss, weight maintenance, weight gain, or difficulty losing weight. Participants share their personal experiences with weight management, focusing on a wide range of situations from ongoing weight loss efforts to previous attempts, both successful and unsuccessful. There is no specific treatment or intervention, as the study collects data through surveys and observation. Participants will provide information through online surveys about their weight management history and related factors. The primary outcome measured is the percent change in weight over a five-year period. The study is conducted under the oversight of Tufts University and involves voluntary participation from individuals 18 years and older. Data collected will help researchers understand real-life weight control experiences over time.