Actively Recruiting
Do Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears Demonstrate Weakness of the Soleus Muscle?
Led by University of Liverpool · Updated on 2026-05-06
55
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the strength of the soleus muscle, located in the calf, in people with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears confirmed by MRI. This observational study aims to understand if patients with ACL tears show weakness or asymmetry in the soleus muscle compared to healthy individuals and whether changes in soleus strength relate to knee stability and patient-reported outcomes. The study uses the international knee documentation committee (IKDC) questionnaire to assess knee stability from the patient's perspective. Participants include those with MRI-confirmed ACL tears undergoing physiotherapy rehabilitation and healthy volunteers without lower limb injuries. Muscle strength is measured using the VALD Forceframe device during seated plantar flexor tests, repeated three times per leg, alongside single-leg jump tests using the VALD Forcedecks. Both groups complete the IKDC questionnaire at the start and end of rehabilitation to track changes in knee stability. Participants will undergo muscle strength testing with specific positioning to ensure accurate measurements, including ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion over 90 degrees. Warm-up and maximum effort tests are performed to capture peak force output. Researchers will analyze force generated by the soleus muscle and compare it with IKDC scores to explore correlations. The study involves data collection from both injured and healthy individuals to establish normative values and assess the main outcomes over a brief testing period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Do Patients With ACL Tears Demonstrate Weakness of the Soleus Muscle?
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- MRI-confirmed ACL tear for ACL tear participants
- Willing and able to provide written informed consent
- Male or Female aged 18 to 55 years
- No contraindications to strength testing
- No current or previous significant lower limb injury for healthy participants
- No previous lower limb surgery for healthy participants
- No use of medications other than vitamins, mineral supplements, or oral contraceptives (for females) for healthy participants
You will not qualify if you...
- History of chronic musculoskeletal diseases or disorders in either leg such as non-united fractures, epilepsy, cardiac insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, aneurysms, anticoagulant use, recent radiotherapy or chemotherapy, long-term steroid use, pregnancy, neurological disorders, skin conditions at testing site, severe osteoporosis, malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis
- Conditions or symptoms affecting study participation or results including pain, limited range of motion, knee effusion, or anemia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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.
Duration - Duration of rehabilitation period
Participants undergo clinical measurements of lower limb muscle strength and performance during their physiotherapy rehabilitation following MRI-confirmed ACL injury or as healthy volunteers.
1 to 2 visits depending on group and rehabilitation stage
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Aintree Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool, United Kingdom, L9 7AL
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Richard Norris
R
Rachel Oldershaw
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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