Neuromuscular Consequences of Knee Arthroscopy

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Tear of Fibrocartilage of Joint
• Interventions: Other: Cryotherapy; Other: Cryotherapy and compression

• Registration Number: NCT01786772
• Lead Sponsor: Creighton University

Brief Summary

To determine changes in quadriceps muscle function following the application of ice and compression to the knee.

Detailed Description

Novel rehabilitation methods, that specifically target decreased muscle activation due to joint pathology prior to strength training, have elicited greater improvements in muscle function and self-reported disability compared to traditional therapies. Preliminary evidence suggests applying cryotherapy to a joint prior to exercise can increase quadriceps activation. It is unknown if applying cryotherapy and intermittent pneumatic compression can also increase quadriceps force output and voluntary activation. The purpose of this study is to determine changes in quadriceps force output and voluntary activation following the application of cryotherapy and compression. The investigators hypothesize there will be an increase in quadriceps force output and voluntary activation following the application of cryotherapy and compression.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2012-11
• Study First Submitted: 2012-12-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-02-06
• Study First Posted: 2013-02-08
• Primary Completion: 2017-12
• Study Completion: 2017-12
• Status Verified: 2018-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2018-02-22
• Last Update Posted: 2018-02-26

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 39

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 15-65 years
• BMI < 30
• Candidate for arthroscopic knee surgery to address meniscus pathology or arthroscopic knee surgery within the past 2 years.

Exclusion Criteria

• Participants who are outside of age range
• Ligamentous insufficiency or repair
• Participants with traumatic spine or lower extremity injury within past 6 months
• Participants who have had previous adverse reactions to electrical stimulation or cryotherapy (i.e. burns, hypersensitivity)
• Medical conditions which would be contraindications to electrical stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation, including cardiac pacemaker, metal implants in the head, current pregnancy, neurological disorders, and history of seizures
• Participants who are unable to give consent or are unable to understand procedures of experiment.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Cryotherapy	Cryotherapy	Cryotherapy will be applied to the knee joint using a recirculating compression unit and knee sleeve. This unit will recirculate water which is between 1-3° C. The duration of intervention will be 20 minutes.
Cryotherapy and compression	Cryotherapy and compression	Cryotherapy and intermittent pneumatic compression will be applied to the knee joint using a recirculating compression unit and knee sleeve. This unit will recirculate water which is between 1-3° C. Circumferential intermittent pneumatic compression to the knee joint (5 to 50 mm Hg) will be applied in conjunction with cryotherapy. The duration of intervention will be 20 minutes.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in quadriceps force output and voluntary activation	Baseline and immediately following intervention (Single Study Visit)	Quadriceps activation will be estimated by utilizing the burst-superimposition technique on a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and during a resting condition. The burst-superimposition technique provides the muscle with a percutaneous stimulus to recruit any remaining muscle fibers which have not been stimulated.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Creighton University; 🇺🇸 Omaha, Nebraska, United States