Neuromuscular Consequences of Knee Arthroscopy

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

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Neuromuscular Consequences of Knee Arthroscopy

Conditions
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Tear of Fibrocartilage of Joint

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Cryotherapy and compression
* Other: Cryotherapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 15 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Cryotherapy and compression<br>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. | Other: Cryotherapy and compression<br>* 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.<br>* Other names: Gameready;|
| Active Comparator: Cryotherapy<br>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. | Other: Cryotherapy<br>* 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.<br>* Other names: Gameready;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in quadriceps force output and voluntary activation | 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. | Baseline and immediately following intervention (Single Study Visit) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, meniscus, quadriceps strength, quadriceps voluntary activation, cryotherapy, compression, vasopneumatic compression, intermittent pneumatic compression