Whole Body Vibration on Running Biomechanics

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
Whole body vibration (WBV) acutely improves quadriceps strength, and may improve long-term outcomes in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, it is unclear if WBV influences athletic tasks such as running. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of WBV on running biomechanics in individuals with ACLR.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have deficits in quadriceps muscles function that influences walking and running biomechanics. In the long term, alterations in walking and running contribute to physical disability and the development of knee osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, rehabilitation for the quadriceps muscles is often ineffective, and novel strategies to improve rehabilitation efforts are needed. Whole body vibration (WBV) acutely improves quadriceps strength, and may improve long-term outcomes in individuals with ACLR. However, it is unclear if WBV influences athletic tasks such as running. Specific Aim 1: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of WBV on running biomechanics in individuals with ACLR. The investigators hypothesize that WBV will improve running characteristics associated with knee osteoarthritis development.

Official Title
-----------------
The Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Running Biomechanics in Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Conditions
-----------------
Knee Osteoarthritis

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: Whole Body Vibration


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: 18-35 years Unilateral ACL reconstruction At least 6 months post-reconstruction Recreationally active (at least 20 minutes of physical activity 3 times per week) Exclusion Criteria: History of ACL graft rupture or revision surgery Neurological disorder Other lower extremity within the 6 months prior to participation

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Whole Body Vibration<br>The WBV intervention consists of 6 bouts of 60 seconds vibration with 2 minutes of rest in between (30Hz, 2g acceleration) while participants stand on a vibrating platform with their knees bent. | Other: Whole Body Vibration<br>* Participants will stand in a squatted position on a platform that provides a brief vibratory stimuli.<br>|
| No Intervention: Control<br>The control intervention consists of 6 bouts of 60 seconds with 2 minutes of rest in between while participants stand with their knees bent (no vibration applied). | |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in ground reaction force | Ground reaction force during running gait | Day 1, Prior to and immediately following vibration intervention in a single session (i.e. - acute effects) | 
| Change in ground reaction force loading rate | Ground reaction force loading rate during running gait | Day 1, Prior to and immediately following vibration intervention in a single session (i.e. acute effects) | 
| Change in knee flexion excursion | Knee flexion excursion during running gait | Day 1, Prior to and immediately following vibration intervention in a single session (i.e. acute effects) |