Clinical Research Directory

Three-dimensional Biomechanics of the Lower Limbs in Healthy Volunteers: Establishment of a Reference Database Using the MERItest® System

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently associated with persistent biomechanical impairments despite clinically satisfactory recovery. The MERItest® is a standardized biomechanical assessment battery designed to evaluate movement strategies, muscle strength, and neuromuscular control during functional tasks. However, the clinical interpretation of these assessments is currently limited by the lack of normative data collected using a standardized protocol. This single-center, prospective interventional trial involving minimal risk, aims to establish a biomechanical reference database of healthy volunteers based on measurements obtained during the MERItest® assessment. The development of this normative database will enhance the interpretation of biomechanical outcomes in patients following ACL reconstruction by enabling direct comparison with a healthy reference population assessed under identical conditions.

A Study Aiming to Demonstrate That the Addition of Intravenous (IV) Tranexamic Acid-Compared to Placebo-During Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Results in Reduced Blood Loss and Postoperative Pain.

Various reconstruction and graft harvesting techniques are used for ACL reconstruction. The most common techniques involve harvesting one or more hamstring tendons. These tendons are harvested using minimally invasive approaches with "strippers," which do not allow for hemostasis at the base of the thigh-specifically at the myotendinous junction where the proximal end of the graft is severed. This lack of hemostasis consistently leads to varying degrees of bleeding in the hours or even days following surgery. This bleeding causes pain, hematomas, and muscle inhibition (particularly of the hamstrings), thereby hindering the resumption of activities and delaying physical therapy progress. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent currently gaining widespread use in orthopedic surgery to prevent intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, particularly in knee and hip arthroplasty. Numerous recent publications, including meta-analyses, have demonstrated its efficacy and safety. Only one study has investigated the effect of tranexamic acid in the context of ACL reconstruction, showing a reduction in postoperative pain. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of intravenous tranexamic acid on hemoglobin loss at postoperative day 2 in patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon harvesting on an outpatient basis.

Comparison of Standard ACL Reconstruction Versus TARS-Augmented Reconstruction

This study is designed to compare standard anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft with ACL reconstruction augmented using the Tape Active Reconstruction System (TARS). Eligible patients aged 18 to 44 years with a complete ACL rupture will be prospectively enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two study groups. Participants will be evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at regular follow-up visits, with the final assessment performed at 12 months after surgery. Outcome assessments will include patient-reported outcome measures, objective clinical examination of knee stability, instrumented laxity measurements, and radiological evaluation.

Prospective Cohort Study of Villarreal CF Youth Players

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represent a highly relevant issue in both grassroots and professional sports, with a particularly high incidence in young and female populations. The objective of this project is to develop and validate a multiscale predictive algorithm for ACL injury risk in athletes from Villarreal CF (aged 10-45), integrating biomechanical, physiological, genetic, and gut microbiome biomarkers. The study, with a prospective and longitudinal design (4 years), will include a cohort of 200-250 players from the academy and first team. The following assessments will be conducted: biomechanical analysis of jumps using force platforms (instrumented LESS), physiological monitoring through resting heart rate and nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV), genotyping from saliva samples, and characterization of the gut microbiome 16 rRNA sequencing. The systematic recording of training, exposures, and injuries will follow OSTRC criteria and will be supervised by the club's medical team. The expected outcome is a multivariate predictive model, validated in a professional sports setting, capable of identifying individual risk profiles and generating a personalized score to guide preventive interventions (exercise, strength training, nutritional or probiotic strategies). This approach aims to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries, optimize performance, and translate biomedical knowledge into clinical and sports practice.

Preoperative Rehabilitation for Patient With an ACL Injury

Muscle qualities are critical for the recovery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Before ACL reconstruction (ALCR), resistance training aims to maintain patient strength and volume in order to optimize recovery. Unanswered questions remain on the modalities of resistance training before ACLR. This protocol details a pragmatic clinical trial that primary aims to increase the maximal strength of knee extensors and flexors and to induce hypertrophy before ACLR. Participants awaiting ACLR will be recruited from outpatient rehabilitation clinics and will be randomly allocated to one group to attend a 9-weeks rehabilitation program before ACLR. Participants of 'resistance training' group will perform a training program built on the principles of strength training to increase knee muscles strength and volume. Three blocks of 3 weeks will induce a progressive increase in training load, with exercises performed close to failure. Participants of 'usual group' will perform traditional exercises including: balance/proprioceptive exercises, weight-balances exercises, and body-weight resistance training exercises. Groups will be compared on muscle strength (primary outcome), clinical outcomes (muscle volume, stiffness, knee mobility, effusion) and self-reported outcomes (quality of life, perception of knee function, pain, anxiety and depression, exertion, health consumption, participations in activities) before and after ACLR. Outcomes will be collected by a blinded assessor before and after the resistance training program (before ACLR); 4 and 9 months after the ACLR.