Actively Recruiting
Do Patients With ACL Tears Demonstrate Weakness of the Soleus Muscle?
Led by University of Liverpool · Updated on 2026-05-06
55
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
206 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this prospective, cross-sectional study is to test the strength of the soleus muscle in participants who have a ACL tear confirmed by MRI. Previous studies have shown that the soleus muscle, which one of the muscles situated in the calf, decreases mechanical loading on the ACL. Therefore, we aim to test soleus muscle strength using a seated plantar flexor test. The main questions we aim to answer are: * Do patients with ACL tears demonstrate inter-limb soleus strength asymmetry (\>10%) * Do patients with ACL tears have soleus muscle weakness compared with uninjured (normative) participants? * Do changes in soleus strength values correlate with patient reported outcomes and stability, as measured by the IKDC questionnaire? To achieve this the VALD force frame will be used as the testing device for plantar flexor strength testing. This device records the force generated by the movement. This will be repeated three times on each leg as part of the testing procedure. Furthermore, as part of the testing procedure participants will be required to fill out an IKDC form to assess their knee stability. Interrater reliability of the force frame will be investigated. Further data from participants without ACL tears will be used to compare results. Thus allowing us to see if people with ACL tears have a weakness in the soleus muscle.
CONDITIONS
Official 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 give written informed consent
- Male or Female aged 18 to 55 years
- No contraindications to strength testing
- No current or past significant lower limb injury for healthy participants
- No previous lower limb surgery for healthy participants
- No medication use except vitamins, mineral supplements, or oral contraceptives for females
You will not qualify if you...
- History of chronic musculoskeletal disease or disorder in either leg that raises risk, including non-united fractures, epilepsy, cardiac insufficiency, severe peripheral vascular disease, aneurysms, anticoagulant therapy, recent radiotherapy or chemotherapy within 3 months, long-term steroid use over 3 months, pregnancy, neurological disorders, skin conditions at force testing site, severe osteoporosis, malignancy, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Conditions or symptoms affecting study results or participation ability such as pain, limited range of motion, knee effusion, or anemia
AI-Screening
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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
CONTACT
R
Rachel Oldershaw
CONTACT
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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