Keegan Gustafson
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Lindsey Lepley
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Athletic Training / Kinesiology
Program:
Authors: Keegan Gustafson, Leah Vaikutis, Lindsey Lepley
Session: Session 5: 2:40 pm – 3:30 pm
Poster: 57
Abstract
ACL injuries rank as the most prevalent knee ligament injury, particularly among athletes, leading to prolonged recovery and potential long-term health complications. The Comparative Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Laboratory aims to address contractile damage and dysfunction experienced in ACL patients, as well as attenuate the symptoms of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Employing rodent models, we investigate the optimal application of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), treatment timing, and the role of preserving mitochondrial function in countering muscle atrophy and weakness resulting from injury. Following several runs of NMES, we assess both functional and histological outcomes. Our functional outcomes include motion capture data, electromyography (EMG), and quantification of mitochondrial health. Our histological outcomes include nano-ct, staining for fiber type distribution, as well as neuromuscular junction (NMJ) innervation. Collectively, we use these assessments to quantify and evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions. Despite progress in ACL rehabilitation over the past couple of decades, challenges persist in determining the most effective treatment plan, shortening the recovery period, and reducing potential health complications. While no definite conclusions have been reached, the Comparative Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Laboratory continually focuses on integrating new methodologies and techniques to identify and consolidate the most promising approach for ACL rehabilitation. Ultimately, we propose that our rodent models will offer critical translation to human patients, facilitating smoother recovery by reducing muscle atrophy and weakness following ACL injuries.
