Clinical Research Directory

Exercise Loading Biology Post-Traumatic OsteoArthritis Study - a Pilot and Feasibility Study

FROM RISK FACTORS TO THE PREVENTION OF LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES AFTER CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY (ACL injury) - This is a research project where we seek new knowledge about why some people have a high risk and others a low risk of developing long-term consequences such as persistent pain, thigh muscle dysfunctions and osteoarthritis after ACL surgery. Through more knowledge about risk factors for persistent pain, thigh muscle dysfunctions, and, in the long term, osteoarthritis, we have a greater opportunity to tailor preventive treatment measures to the individual. We know that a subgroup of those who have undergone ACL surgery does not regain the normal function of the quadriceps muscle, that it does not become as strong as it used to or not quite the same as on the other healthy side. Some may notice this very well, others may not notice as much in the short term. We know that quadriceps dysfunctions can affect the biomechanical joint loading in your knee and can be a contributing risk factor to developing long-term consequences such as persistent pain, thigh muscle function and osteoarthritis after ACL injury. We have methods to measure joint loading conditions in the knee and to identify changes in the cartilage, in the underlying bone tissue of the knee joint, and to measure various aspects of quadriceps muscle strength and dysfunctions. In this study, we want to develop new knowledge about whether there is a difference in knee joint loading conditions and quadriceps muscle function between those who have low risk and those with a higher risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis and whether there is an association between joint loading conditions in the knee after ACL surgery and quadriceps muscle function and symptoms.