2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Tyler Brown and Nic Hunt

Abstract

Knee injuries, including those requiring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), are associated with numerous degenerative outcomes, including the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Although reconstructive surgery and physical therapy are available treatment options, OA progression following knee joint injury continues to leave many individuals facing premature joint degeneration. Increased joint stiffness is a common consequence of knee joint injury and is seen in many patients who have undergone ACLR, and may be a contributing factor in the acceleration of OA by creating an environment of concentrated stress on knee cartilage, thereby promoting joint degeneration. It is unclear whether knee injuries alter joint stiffness across different functional tasks such as walking, stair ascent, and stair descent, or how these changes may be influenced by uneven surfaces. The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in knee joint stiffness during functional activities, specifically walking and stair navigation, following ACLR. The study aims to determine whether task specific variations in joint stiffness are present and the contributions they may have on long term joint health. It is hypothesized that joint stiffness during functional tasks, particularly stair navigation, will be altered following knee injury. These changes may lead to increased mechanical stress on the joint, resulting in cartilage degeneration and the progression of osteoarthritis.

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