Clinical Research Directory

Effects of a Preoperative Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Kinesiophobia and Function in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to systematically elucidate the integrative effects of psychological rehabilitation on the "brain-psychology-motor" triad in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. We plan to recruit 44 patients (aged 18-45) diagnosed with ACL rupture and scheduled for reconstruction surgery at Peking University Third Hospital, who will be randomly assigned to two groups. Through synchronous acquisition of questionnaire scores, motor performance data (gait, jogging, postural stability), and central neural activity (EEG), this research seeks to establish a foundation for developing neuroscience evidence-based, precision rehabilitation strategies.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction Versus Primary Repair

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary structure responsible for controlling anterior-posterior translation and rotational stability of the knee joint. Although ACL reconstruction has long been considered the gold standard among surgical interventions following ACL injury, arthroscopic primary repair techniques have recently regained interest. With advances in minimally invasive surgical procedures, refined patient selection criteria, and improved rehabilitation strategies, the clinical effectiveness of primary repair is once again being re-evaluated. However, there remains a limited body of literature directly comparing the medium- to long-term effects of these two surgical techniques on neuromuscular performance, fatigue tolerance, and functional outcomes. The aim of this study is to comparatively investigate postoperative muscle strength and endurance, isokinetic fatigue response, muscle oxygenation, proprioception, knee stability, postural control, and patient-reported outcome measures in individuals who have undergone ACL reconstruction or primary repair. Assessments will include low- and high-velocity tests performed on the Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer, a 33-repetition fatigue protocol at 300°/s, muscle oxygenation analysis using Train.Red NIRS, knee laxity measurement via the GNRB arthrometer, single-leg balance and landing evaluations using the KFORCE force platform, and subjective outcome measures (IKDC, ACL-RSI). The findings of this study are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how surgical technique influences physiological, biomechanical, and functional outcomes. This knowledge may contribute to the development of individualized rehabilitation approaches and evidence-based return-to-sport criteria.

ACB vs no Block for Pediatric ACL Reconstruction

The goal of this randomized controlled feasibility clinical trial is to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial of adding a perioperative single-shot adductor canal block to standard of care general anesthesia compared to non-regional techniques in pediatric patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The main clinical question it aims to answer is does ACB result in improved Quality of Recovery-15 questionnaire scores on postoperative day 2 , postoperative day 14, and postoperative day 42. Secondary questions this study will address are will use of a single-shot adductor canal block result in: less total opioid consumption; shorter post anesthetic care unit (PACU) length of stay; better pain scores at rest and with movement at time of postoperative phone call; and patient satisfaction score at 2 weeks (postoperative day 14). Researchers will compare the scores to patients undergoing the same surgery who will not have a single-shot ACB. All patients will receive the same pre-, peri-, and postoperative care with the exception of being randomized to block or no block. Participants will be asked to answer the Quality of Recovery-15 questionnaire and rate their pain on a scale of 0-10 on the day of surgery, at postoperative day 2 (by telephone) and at postoperative day 14 and postoperative day 42 during regular orthopedic clinic follow-up. Patients and caregivers will rate their satisfaction at postoperative day 42, using a 5-item Likert scale (ranging from completely dissatisfied to completely satisfied).

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments: Studying Updates in neuroCognition After Knee Manipulation

This study will investigate whether knee joint manipulation can improve neurocognitive and neuromuscular performance in individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Recruitment will consist of 30 participants aged 18-35 who are 4 months to 5 years post-ACLR and demonstrate measurable reaction time delays. Using a within-subject pre-post design, participants will complete a battery of neurocognitive and neuromuscular assessments, including visuomotor reaction time and dual-task hop testing, before and after knee joint manipulation(s). The main questions the investigators aim to address are: Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and applicability of integrating knee joint manipulation into post-ACLR rehabilitation using the Implementation and Outcomes Framework. Aim 2: Determine preliminary efficacy of knee joint manipulation on neurocognitive performance in individuals with ACLR.

Evaluation of Pain Management After Surgery When Using Nerve Blocks in the Pediatric Population

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to determine if single-shot ropivacaine peripheral nerve blocks (PNB - perineural injections) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in pediatric orthopaedic sports medicine patients provides significant pain relief and decreased narcotic use. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does ropivacaine significantly reduce Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores and pain levels up to one week postoperatively? * Does ropivacaine significantly decrease narcotic use (number of pills taken) up to one week postoperatively? Researchers will compare the pain outcomes and narcotic use of participants who receive a single-shot ropivacaine peripheral nerve block to those of participants who do not receive a single-shot ropivacaine peripheral nerve block for their ACL reconstruction surgery. The goal is to understand if there is a significant difference in participant pain outcomes and narcotic use outside the first 24 hours postoperatively. Participants will: * receive either a single-shot ropivacaine peripheral nerve block intraoperatively or no peripheral nerve block during their ACL Quadriceps tendon graft or bone patellar tendon bone graft reconstruction surgery. * receive and complete questionnaires at postoperative days 1, 4, and 7 regarding their pain scores, levels, and outcomes, effective pain treatments, overall pain interference, narcotic use (number of pills taken), and overall pain treatment satisfaction * receive and complete secondary outcome measures of functional and psychological outcomes regarding their ACL reconstruction surgery at postoperative day 1

Analysis of Knee Joint of Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Undergoing Physiotherapy After Two Different Surgical Techniques: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

The objetive is compare knee joint stability, functional capacity, postural control, activation, and muscle strength of patients undergoing conventional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction or the conventional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction + Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction technique of the knee, and rehabilitation for up to nine months. This project aims to include patients with ACL injuries already treated at the Knee Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas da UEL (HC-UEL), coordinated by the orthopedic physician Dr. Lucas da Fonseca Borghi, who has his master's degree related to this research project. Twenty patients between 18 and 50 years old, of both sexes, sedentary and/or active and/or athletes, diagnosed with unilateral injury of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament will be included. These patients will be evaluated, submitted to ACL surgery (conservative) or associated with ALL reconstruction and undergo rehabilitation with physiotherapy in conjunction with the extension project Sports Physiotherapy from Theory to Practice - Phase III (PROEX-UEL No 02675), coordinated by Prof. Dr. Christiane S. Guerino Macedo - advisor of this research. Expected results: It is expected that the group undergoing ACL + ALL reconstruction will present better knee joint stability, functional capacity, postural control, activation and muscle strength.