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

NCT07886411 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 2 other identifiers: 2026-41-SBM2026-A01587-44
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 150
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL); Healthy Adult Participants

Keywords

MERITest; Biomechanical reference

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Kinematic Parameters Assessed During the MERItest®

  During running, Countermovement Jump (CMJ), bipodal drop jump, unipodal drop jump and Hop tests: Knee Flexion Excursion (°) Peak Knee Flexion (°) Foot Eversion Excursion (°) Trunk Lateral Lean (°) Contralateral Pelvic Drop (°) Hip Adduction Excursion (°) Knee Abduction Excursion (°)

  1 day

Secondary Outcomes (9)

• Reaction Forces During Functional Tasks Assessed With the MERItest®

  1 day

• Temporal Parameters Assessed During the MERItest®

  1 day

• Physiological asymmetries between the lower limbs

  1 day

• Moment Assessed During the MERItest®

  1 day

• Impulse Assessed During the MERItest®

  1 day

Study Arms (1)

Healthy Volonteers

EXPERIMENTAL

Healthy volunteers will undergo the MERItest® during a single visit lasting approximately one hour. The assessment will be conducted by an experienced movement biomechanics specialist. Reflective markers (Qualisys Sports Marker Set - Functional Assessment) will then be placed on both lower limbs at the hip, knee, and ankle levels. These markers enable the collection of biomechanical data in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, as well as side-to-side comparisons. Biomechanical assessment is performed using a combination of reflective markers, three-dimensional optoelectronic motion-capture cameras, and force and pressure platforms.

Other: MERITest

Interventions

MERITest OTHER

Healthy volunteers will undergo the MERItest® during a single visit lasting approximately one hour. The assessment will be conducted by an experienced movement biomechanics specialist. Starting with a standardized dynamic warm-up, including walking, walking lunges, and half-squats, to prepare participants for the functional tasks and reduce injury risk. Reflective markers (Qualisys Sports Marker Set - Functional Assessment) will then be placed on both lower limbs at the hip, knee, and ankle levels. These markers enable the collection of biomechanical data in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, as well as side-to-side comparisons. Biomechanical assessment is performed using a combination of reflective markers, three-dimensional optoelectronic motion-capture cameras, and force and pressure platforms.

Also known as: Biomedical evaluation

Healthy Volonteers

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Regular participation in sports activities compatible with completion of the MERItest® (at least twice per week)
• Ability to perform all tasks included in the study protocol, including running, jumping, single-leg landings, hop tests, and strength assessments

You may not qualify if:

• History of lower-limb surgery
• History of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture or other major knee ligament injury
• History of a lower-limb fracture resulting in functional impairment
• History of symptomatic meniscal, cartilage, or tendon pathology affecting the lower limb
• Current pain, functional limitation, or injury involving the spine, pelvis, or lower limbs
• Any painful or traumatic event within the previous month that could affect test performance
• History or presence of a neurological or vestibular disorder likely to impair motor control
• Current use of medications that may affect physical or muscular performance (e.g., anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants)
• Medical contraindication to performing the exercises included in the study protocol
• Inability to complete the entire MERItest® under standardized testing conditions

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Clinique du Sport, Bordeaux Mérignac: lead

Study Sites (1)

Clinique du Sport

Mérignac, 33700, France

Location

Study Officials

• Nicolas Bouguennec, MD

  Clinique du sport

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Marion Mandon, PhD

CONTACT

+33 6 78 27 76 72; DRC@vivalto-sante.com

Emma Escoffier, Master

CONTACT

+ 33 6 88 92 33 17; eescoffier@vivalto-santé.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 2, 2026
• First Posted: October 21, 2026
• Study Start: October 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 15, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 15, 2027
• Last Updated: October 21, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

FR (1)