Effects of Contralateral Strength Training on Postoperative Strength Deficits in the Immobilized Lower Extremity

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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Group I will receive knee flexion and extension strength training exercises for the contralateral (non-operative) lower extremity in addition to standard of care postoperative rehabilitation. The experimental strength training will be performed with moderate resistance and will require moderate effort. Exercises will include unilateral leg presses, lunges, step ups, and step downs. These exercises are performed as standard of care but are not typically introduced into the physical therapy regimen until 10-12 weeks postoperatively. In the experimental group, these exercises will be introduced starting with the first postoperative physical therapy session, but only for the contralateral (non-operative) leg.

Official Title
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Effects of Contralateral Strength Training on Postoperative Strength Deficits in the Immobilized Lower Extremity

Conditions
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Meniscus; Detachment, Current Injury

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Standard of Care Rehabilitation
* Other: Experimental Strength Training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patient is indicated for meniscal root repair Patient is indicated for meniscus transplant Patient is at least 18 years of age Patient is expected to survive at least 1 year beyond surgery Patient has intact lower extremities bilaterally Patient is willing to participate by complying with pre-and post-operative visit requirements Patient is willing and able to review and sign a study informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: Lower extremity musculoskeletal defects Systemic neuromuscular disorders Failure to complete pre-operative BIDOEX strength assessment Failure to complete pre-operative self-assessment score intake forms

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 90 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 |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Group 1<br>standard of care postoperative rehabilitation. | Other: Standard of Care Rehabilitation<br>* Knee flexion and extension strength training exercises for the contralateral (non-operative) lower extremity in addition to standard of care postoperative rehabilitation.<br>|
| Experimental: Group 2<br>experimental strength training | Other: Experimental Strength Training<br>* Will be performed with moderate resistance and will require moderate effort. Exercises will include unilateral leg presses, lunges, step ups, and step downs. These exercises are performed as standard of care but are not typically introduced into the physical therapy regimen until 10-12 weeks postoperatively. In the experimental group, these exercises will be introduced starting with the first postoperative physical therapy session, but only for the contralateral (non-operative) leg.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| KOOS | A patient-reported outcome measurement instrument, developed to assess the patient's opinion about their knee and associated problems. | 6 Weeks, 3 Months, 6 Months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Meniscus root tear