Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Adding End-Range Isometric Holds to Isotonic Knee Extensor Training on Isokinetic Performance in Sedentary Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if adding a short muscle hold (isometric contraction) to a standard leg-strengthening exercise improves knee muscle strength more than the standard exercise alone, in healthy adults who do not exercise regularly. The main question it aims to answer is: Does adding a 5-second hold at the end of each leg-extension exercise lead to greater gains in front-thigh muscle (quadriceps) strength than leg-extension exercise alone? Researchers will compare two exercise groups to see if the added muscle hold makes a difference: Group 1 will do leg-extension exercises with a 5-second hold added at the end of each repetition. Group 2 will do the same leg-extension exercises without the added hold. Participants will: Do leg-extension exercises 3 days a week for 8 weeks Have their thigh muscle strength tested before and after the program using a special exercise machine Have their thigh size measured before and after the program

Blood Flow Restriction Following ACLR w/Quad Autograft

This project is intended to acquire objective measurements of implementing BFR rehabilitation in ACL reconstructions to show any changes upon completion of the BFR protocol. The results in this study will hopefully represent valuable data in the support of using autografts for ACL reconstructions in high level athletes wanting a full recovery and return to high level of sport. It has been speculated that use of autografts in ACL reconstructions leads to more quad weakness and muscle atrophy due to tendon harvesting. (Slone et al., 2015) More recently, BFR has shown promise in expediting the recovery and rehabilitation process post-surgically. By implementing BFR following ACL reconstructions with autografts, we hope to mitigate the major deterrent for autograft use and giving patients a more cost-effective approach to surgery. (Hughes et al., 2019)