Participate In A Study To Prevent Knee Osteoarthritis Following Sport-Related ACL Reconstruction
After over a decade of developmental work, we are excited to be recruiting for the first-ever clinical trial testing ways to prevent knee osteoarthritis after a sport-related ACL reconstruction.
Invitation to participate
You are invited to take part in this research study being conducted by a team of researchers led by Dr. Jackie Whittaker at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Arthritis Research Canada. People with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and ACL reconstruction surgery (ACLR) are at elevated risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, a painful joint condition. We are looking for people between the ages of 16 and 35 who have had an ACLR to compare two physiotherapist-led 6-month virtual (videoconferencing) education and exercise programs to prevent osteoarthritis. The following table provides an overview of the two programs.
Quick study overview
1. What treatment will people receive? Participants will be randomized (flip of a coin) to receive one of two virtual 6-month physiotherapist-guided education and exercise-based programs that are focused on improving knee health after an ACL reconstruction to reduce any long-term problems like osteoarthritis. Participants will receive an activity monitor, resistance tubing set and financial compensation.
2. Is there in-person testing? Yes, participants will come to our UBC lab at the start of the study and then again at 6, 12, and 24 months after that. Testing will take ~90 minutes and include knee muscle strength testing, body composition testing, and a knee MRI. Parking is paid for.
3. Who should participate? To be eligible, people need to be between 16-35 years of age, and have experienced an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and had an ACL reconstruction surgery at least 9 months, but not more than 36 months ago. Ideally, they will be discharged from the regular physiotherapy that they were receiving for their ACL reconstruction.