Cross-Education Strength Training for Post-Meniscus Surgery Recovery

Overseen By Zachary Li

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: NYU Langone Health

Disqualifiers: Musculoskeletal defects, Neuromuscular disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Experimental Strength Training for post-meniscus surgery recovery?

Research shows that strength-based rehabilitation programs can improve outcomes for patients who have had partial meniscectomy, suggesting that similar strength training could be beneficial for recovery after meniscus surgery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is cross-education strength training safe for humans?

Functional exercise training, which includes strength and endurance exercises, was well tolerated in middle-aged patients after meniscus surgery, suggesting it is generally safe for humans. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

How does cross-education strength training differ from other treatments for post-meniscus surgery recovery?

Cross-education strength training is unique because it involves strengthening the uninjured leg to promote recovery in the injured leg, which is different from traditional treatments that focus directly on the injured leg. This approach leverages the body's natural ability to transfer strength gains from one side of the body to the other, potentially speeding up recovery and improving overall muscle function. ^{1 7 8 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial that will enroll patients undergoing unilateral meniscal root repair or meniscus transplant. The objective of this study is to determine if immediate postoperative strength training of the contralateral (non-surgical) lower extremity reduces postoperative loss of strength in an immobilized lower extremity. After the completion of surgery, patients will be randomized to either the experimental treatment (Group 1) or control group (Group II)for postoperative rehabilitation.

Research Team

Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD

Principal Investigator

NYU Langone Health

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who are undergoing meniscal root repair or meniscus transplant, can follow the study's visit schedule, and have signed an informed consent form. It excludes those with lower limb defects, neuromuscular disorders, or incomplete pre-op assessments.

Inclusion Criteria

Patient has intact lower extremities bilaterally

Patient is expected to survive at least 1 year beyond surgery

Patient is willing to participate by complying with pre-and post-operative visit requirements

Exclusion Criteria

You have problems with your legs or feet that make it difficult to move or walk.

Failure to complete pre-operative BIDOEX strength assessment

Failure to complete pre-operative self-assessment score intake forms

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Surgery and Initial Recovery

Participants undergo unilateral meniscal root repair or meniscus transplant and begin initial recovery

1-2 weeks

Postoperative Rehabilitation

Participants receive either standard of care rehabilitation or experimental contralateral strength training

6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Experimental Strength Training

Trial Overview The study tests if strength training the non-surgical leg right after surgery helps maintain muscle strength in the immobilized leg. Participants will be randomly placed into either experimental strength training or standard rehab groups.

Participant Groups

Group I: Group 2 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

experimental strength training

Group II: Group 1 Active Control 1 Intervention

standard of care postoperative rehabilitation.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

NYU Langone Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,431

Recruited

838,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Muscle Strength and Osteoarthritis Progression After Surgery or Exercise for Degenerative Meniscal Tears: Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Trial. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Variability of online available physical therapy protocols from academic orthopedic surgery programs for arthroscopic meniscus repair. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of exercise therapy versus surgery on mechanical symptoms in young patients with a meniscal tear: a secondary analysis of the DREAM trial. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of exercise therapy compared with arthroscopic surgery on knee muscle strength and functional performance in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscus tears: a 3-mo follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. [2016]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strength-Based Rehabilitation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Postpartial Meniscectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. [2023]

6. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trajectory of self-reported pain and function and knee extensor muscle strength in young patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tears: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

7. Denmark pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of functional exercise training on performance and muscle strength after meniscectomy: a randomized trial. [2022]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does concomitant meniscectomy or meniscal repair affect the recovery of quadriceps function post-ACL reconstruction? [2021]

9. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of strength and neuromuscular training on functional performance in athletes after partial medial meniscectomy. [2020]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isokinetic eccentric training is more effective than constant load eccentric training on the quadriceps rehabilitation following partial meniscectomy: A randomized clinical trial. [2019]