Squat Biofeedback for ACL Injury

Overseen By Elizabeth A Wellsandt, DPT, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nebraska

Disqualifiers: Previous knee injury, BMI over 35, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to prevent knee osteoarthritis (OA) after an ACL injury through a new squat biofeedback program. The study will test whether this program can safely increase knee loading during squats to improve knee health after surgery. Participants will receive either standard care or the new program to determine its effectiveness in preventing cartilage breakdown. Ideal candidates for this trial have experienced an ACL injury in the past six months and have recently undergone or are planning ACL reconstruction surgery. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance recovery options for ACL injuries.

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 prior data suggests that this biofeedback technique is safe for ACL injury rehabilitation?

Research has shown that squat biofeedback is safe for people recovering from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries. One study on this method, which uses visual and touch-based feedback, found that participants handled it well. No major negative effects were reported, indicating it is a safe choice for recovery.

This technique uses visual signals to guide movements during squats, helping to improve knee strength and balance. As a non-invasive treatment, it carries fewer risks than more aggressive methods. Although extensive safety data is still limited, early results from similar biofeedback programs suggest they are safe and helpful for recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about squat biofeedback for ACL injuries because it introduces a novel way to enhance rehabilitation. Unlike standard care, which often involves general physical therapy exercises, squat biofeedback uses real-time feedback during squats to help patients perfect their form and maximize recovery. This method not only aims to improve muscle strength and joint stability but also empowers patients by allowing them to see and correct their movements instantly. By focusing on precision and engagement, squat biofeedback has the potential to accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.

What evidence suggests that this squat biofeedback is effective for preventing OA after ACL injury?

This trial will compare a squat biofeedback program with standard care for individuals recovering from an ACL injury. Research has shown that a squat biofeedback program might help prevent knee osteoarthritis (OA) after an ACL injury. Studies indicate that visual biofeedback can improve how the knee handles pressure during squats soon after ACL surgery. This improvement helps distribute pressure on the knee more evenly, which is crucial for healing. Early findings suggest that altering how the knee bears weight can protect the cartilage, the tissue that cushions the knee joint. Although more long-term data is needed, early evidence is promising for this method in preventing OA after ACL injuries. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Elizabeth A Wellsandt, DPT, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Nebraska

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who have recently had or are planning to have ACL reconstruction due to an injury within the last 6 months. It's not suitable for those with a BMI over 35, pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study, or anyone with previous knee injuries/surgeries.

Inclusion Criteria

I have had or will have ACL surgery within a month.

I injured my ACL within the last 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

planned pregnancy during study duration

I have had a knee injury or surgery on either knee.

You have a very high body weight compared to your height (BMI over 35 kg/m2).

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a visual biofeedback program to improve knee outcomes after ACL reconstruction

6 months

Regular sessions (frequency not specified)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including biomechanical movement patterns and MRI markers

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Squat Biofeedback

Trial Overview

The study is testing whether using visual biofeedback when doing squats can improve knee function after ACL surgery compared to standard care. The success will be measured by changes in how participants move and early signs of knee arthritis on MRI scans.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Squat biofeedback intervention

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard care

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nebraska

Lead Sponsor

Trials

563

Recruited

1,147,000+

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Collaborator

Trials

315

Recruited

251,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A novel biofeedback intervention aimed at improving landing mechanics in 40 patients post-ACL reconstruction showed significant improvements in peak vertical ground reaction force symmetry after 12 sessions over six weeks, but these improvements were not maintained in the long term.

Despite the initial benefits in symmetry, the biofeedback program did not effectively reduce risk factors for subsequent ACL injuries, suggesting the need for further research into more comprehensive intervention strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of risk factors for ACL Re-injuries using an innovative biofeedback approach: A phase I randomized clinical trial. Peebles, AT., Miller, TK., Savla, J., et al.[2023]

Citations

1.

apta.confex.com

apta.confex.com/apta/csm2025/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/45753

Squat Biofeedback after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Visual biofeedback during bilateral squats improves lower limb loading within 1 treatment session after ACLR but has not been examined longitudinally. The ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12404589/

Efficacy of a Squat Visual Biofeedback Program After ACL ...

Secondary outcomes include 1) knee flexion moment impulse interlimb ratio during squatting at six months post-ACLR, 2) peak knee flexion moment ...

3.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05363683

Optimizing Movement After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

This study will determine the efficacy of the visual biofeedback program initiated two weeks after ACLR by assessing movement biomechanics and MRI changes in ...

4.

ijspt.scholasticahq.com

ijspt.scholasticahq.com/api/v1/articles/142879-efficacy-of-a-squat-visual-biofeedback-program-after-acl-reconstruction-protocol-for-a-prospective-parallel-randomized-controlled-trial.pdf

Efficacy of a Squat Visual Biofeedback Program After ACL ...

Altered knee joint loading is pervasive and persistent after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and a significant driver for the ...

5.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451865421000703

Reduction of Risk Factors for ACL Re-injuries using an ...

The modification of post-operative rehabilitation to improve movement and loading symmetry using visual and tactile biofeedback could decrease the risk factors ...

6.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1466853X22000992

Reduction of risk factors for ACL Re-injuries using an ...

This phase I clinical trial explored the safety and initial efficacy of using a novel visual and tactile biofeedback intervention to reduce risk factors for ...

7.

jospt.org

jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2023.0301

Exercise-Based Knee and Anterior Cruciate Ligament ...

Eight studies with a total of 13 562 participants were included and demonstrated a significant, 53% reduction in ACL injury rates in those ...

8.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8100073/

Reduction of Risk Factors for ACL Re-injuries using an ...

The modification of post-operative rehabilitation to improve movement and loading symmetry using visual and tactile biofeedback could decrease the risk factors ...