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NCT Number: NCT07015541

Quadriceps Strengthening ACL Reconstruction

The purpose of this study is to characterize quadriceps function and squat biomechanics during the early strengthening phase in adolescent patients undergoing a standardized combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction (BFR) rehabilitation protocol

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Key information

Conditions

ACL Tear Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Knee Injuries Leg Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

13 year–17 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • no history of knee injury/surgery of the contralateral limb

Exclusion criteria

  • (1) bilateral knee injuries
  • (2) prior knee ligament injury and/or surgery
  • (3) multiple ligament injuries and/or ruptures
  • (4) conditions in which NMES and BFR are contraindicated

Treatment and study plan

NMES and BFR

Other

NMES is applied when patients perform quadriceps strengthening exercises. BFR is applied during compound exercises.

Standard physical therapy

Other

Standard physical therapy (week 1-16) includes interventions for typical impairments following ACLR. The initial phase will focus on pain and effusion control, restoration of knee range of motion, followed by gait normalization, lower extremity strength training, then running and plyometrics.

Primary outcomes

  1. Peak force as measured by isometric knee extension force test

    Time frame: 12 and 16 weeks post surgery

    Isometric knee extension force will be measured with a dynamometer.

  2. Force steadiness as measured by isometric knee extension force test

    Time frame: 12 and 16 weeks post surgery

    Isometric knee extension force will be measured with a dynamometer

Secondary outcomes

  1. Sagittal plane peak angle at the hip during the descending phase of the squat

    Time frame: 12 and 16 weeks post surgery

    Motion analysis will be conducted using the cloud-based OpenCap application

  2. Sagittal plane peak angle at the knee during the descending phase of the squat

    Time frame: 12 and 16 weeks post surgery

    Motion analysis will be conducted using the cloud-based OpenCap application

  3. Sagittal plane peak angle at the ankle during the descending phase of the squat

    Time frame: 12 and 16 weeks post surgery

    Motion analysis will be conducted using the cloud-based OpenCap application

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Stanford University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Quadriceps Focused Interventions in Adolescent With ACL Reconstruction

Acronym: ACL

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Jun 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 24, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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