How can I help?
How can I help?

Dr Christina Le

Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Christina Le is a physiotherapist who completed her PhD studying quality of life in youth with a knee injury. She is a post doctoral researcher at Leeds Beckett University, working on Project ACL.

Orcid Logo 0000-0003-0241-5157
Dr Christina Le staff profile image

About

Dr. Christina Le is a physiotherapist who completed her PhD studying quality of life in youth with a knee injury. She is a post doctoral researcher at Leeds Beckett University, working on Project ACL.

Dr. Christina Le is a physiotherapist who specialises in treating individuals with knee injuries. As a clinician, she has worked with orthopaedic knee surgeons, sport medicine physicians, physiotherapists, and kinesiologists to implement research into practice.

Her clinical experience combined with her personal experience of recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury inspired her to study the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of youth athletes following a sport-related knee injury. The goal of her PhD research was to “put HRQoL” on the map and think beyond return to sport following a traumatic knee injury. She completed her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada in 2022. 

Christina started as a post doctoral researcher at Leeds Beckett University in April 2024. She is working on Project ACL, a collaborative research endeavour with FIFPRO, the Professional Footballers Association, Nike, and Leeds Beckett University, that aims to reduce ACL injuries and increase player availability in professional women’s football.

Research interests

Christina's research interests include knee injuries, specifically ACL injuries, and women's sports. She is involved in Project ACL which seeks to better understand the current working environment in the Women's Super League (WSL) and implement evidence-based standards to minimize ACL injury risk in professional women's football. 

Publications (19)

Sort By:

Journal article

Are Changes in Thigh Muscle Concentric Strength Associated With Changes in Leg Function After a Youth Sport-Related Knee Injury?

Featured 01 January 2025 Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach19417381251352524 SAGE Publications
AuthorsLosciale JM, Le CY, Truong LK, Bullock GS, Mitchell CJ, Hunt MA, Whittaker JL

Background:

Assess the association between changes in injured leg knee extension and flexion strength (peak torque) and self-reported and performance-based measures of leg function after a variety of youth sport-related, time-loss knee injuries.

Hypothesis:

There will be a relationship between changes in knee muscle strength and changes in measures of leg function in youth after a sport-related knee injury.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

This was a secondary analysis of the Alberta Youth Prevention of Early Osteoarthritis (PrEOA) Cohort study (Edmonton) that included youth (11-19 years old) who had experienced a medical attention, time-loss, sport-related knee injury in the previous 4 months. Injured leg knee extensor and flexor concentric peak torque (isokinetic; 90 deg/s), triple hop distance, modified Y-balance test (YBT), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Sport subscale (KOOS sport ) were assessed at baseline (≤4 months postinjury) and 6 and 12 months later. Adjusted associations between 6- and 12-month change in strength and functional measures were assessed using multivariable regression (95% CI).

Results:

Based on data from 106 participants (16.2 ± 1.8 years old), a 1 Nm increase in knee extensor strength (6-12 months) was associated with a 0.9 cm (95% CI, –0.5, 2.3) increase in hop distance. Similarly, every 1 Nm increase in knee flexor strength (6-12 months) was associated with a 0.3 cm (95% CI, –1.1, 1.7) increase in hop distance. Across other models, a 1 Nm increase in extensor or flexor strength was associated with a 0- to 0.3-point increase in KOOS sport score.

Conclusion:

There was minimal-to-no longitudinal relationship between changes in knee extensor or flexor strength and changes in triple hop or YBT performance, or self-reported function within the first year after a youth sport-related knee injury.

Journal article

Comparing Short-Term Knee-Related Quality of Life and Associated Clinical Outcomes Between Youth With and Without a Sport-Related Knee Injury

Featured 30 November 2023 Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine33(6):157-165 Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
AuthorsLe CY, Pajkic A, Losciale JM, Filbay SR, Emery CA, Manns PJ, Whittaker JL

Objective: To compare short-term changes in knee-related quality of life (QOL) and associated clinical outcomes between youth with and without a sport-related knee injury. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Sport medicine and physiotherapy clinics. Participants: Youth (11-19 years old) who sustained an intra-articular, sport-related knee injury in the past 4 months and uninjured youth of similar age, sex, and sport. Independent Variable: Injury history. Main Outcome Measures: Knee-related QOL (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS), knee extensor and flexor strength (dynamometry), physical activity (accelerometer), fat mass index (FMI; bioelectrical impedance), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, TSK) were measured at baseline (within 4 months of injury) and at 6-month follow-up. Wilcoxon rank sum tests assessed between-group differences for all outcomes. Regression models assessed the association between injury history and outcome change (baseline to 6-month follow-up), considering sex. The influence of injury type, baseline values, and physiotherapy attendance was explored. Results: Participants' (93 injured youth, 73 uninjured control subjects) median age was 16 (range 11-20) years and 66% were female. Despite greater improvements in KOOS QOL scores (20; 95% confidence interval, 15-25), injured participants demonstrated deficits at 6-month follow-up (z = 9.3, P < 0.01) compared with control subjects, regardless of sex. Similar findings were observed for knee extensor and flexor strength and TSK scores but not for physical activity or FMI. Lower baseline values were associated with greater outcome changes in injured youth. Conclusions: Youth have worse knee-related QOL, muscle strength, and kinesiophobia early after a sport-related knee injury than control subjects. Despite improvements, deficits persist 6 months later.

Journal article

Students’ attitudes, beliefs and perceptions surrounding 2SLGBTQIA + health education and inclusiveness in Canadian physiotherapy programs

Featured 30 August 2023 BMC Public Health23(1):1-15 (15 Pages) BMC
AuthorsPrimeau CA, Philpott HT, Vader K, Unger J, Le CY, Birmingham TB, MacDermid JC

Background Patients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + report negative experiences with physiotherapy. The objectives were to evaluate student attitudes, beliefs and perceptions related to 2SLGBTQIA + health education and working with individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Canada and to evaluate physiotherapy program inclusiveness towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons. Methods We completed a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of physiotherapy students from Canadian institutions. We recruited students via email and social media from August-December 2021. Frequency results are presented with percentages. Logistic regression models (odds ratios [OR], 95%CI) were used to evaluate associations between demographics and training hours with feelings of preparedness and perceived program 2SLGBTQIA + inclusiveness. Results We obtained 150 survey responses (mean age = 25 years [range = 20 to 37]) from students where 35 (23%) self-identified as 2SLGBTQIA + . While most students (≥ 95%) showed positive attitudes towards working with 2SLGBTQIA + patients, only 20 students (13%) believed their physiotherapy program provided sufficient knowledge about 2SLGBTQIA + health and inclusiveness. Students believed more 2SLGBTQIA + training is needed (n = 137; 92%), believed training should be mandatory (n = 141; 94%) and were willing to engage in more training (n = 138; 92%). Around half believed their physiotherapy program (n = 80, 54%) and clinical placements (n = 75, 50%) were 2SLGBTQIA + -inclusive and their program instructors (n = 69, 46%) and clinical instructors (n = 47, 31%) used sex/gender-inclusive language. Discrimination towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons was witnessed 56 times by students and most (n = 136; 91%) reported at least one barrier to confronting these behaviours. Older students (OR = 0.89 [0.79 to 0.99]), individuals assigned female at birth (OR = 0.34 [0.15 to 0.77]), and students self-identifying as 2SLGBTQIA + (OR = 0.38 [0.15 to 0.94]) were less likely to believe their program was 2SLGBTQIA + inclusive. Older students (OR = 0.85 [0.76 to 0.94]) and 2SLGBTQIA + students (OR = 0.42 [0.23 to 0.76]) felt the same about their placements. Students who reported > 10 h of 2SLGBTQIA + training were more likely to believe their program was inclusive (OR = 3.18 [1.66 to 6.09]). Conclusions Entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada show positive attitudes towards working with 2SLGBTQIA + persons but believe exposure to 2SLGBTQIA + health and inclusiveness is insufficient in their physiotherapy programs. This suggests greater attention dedicated to 2SLGBTQIA + health would be valued.

Journal article

Knowledge, behaviours, and training related to 2SLGBTQIA+ health education amongst entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada: results of a nationwide, cross-sectional survey

Featured 19 July 2023 BMC Medical Education23(1):1-14 (14 Pages) BMC
AuthorsPrimeau CA, Philpott HT, Vader K, Unger J, Le CY, Birmingham TB, MacDermid JC

Background Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ report worse health outcomes than heterosexual/cisgender counterparts, in part due to poor experiences with healthcare professionals. This may stem from inadequate 2SLGBTQIA+ health and inclusiveness training in health professional student education. The purpose of the study was to evaluate knowledge, behaviours, and training related to 2SLGBTQIA+ health education and inclusiveness for entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada. Methods We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional survey with physiotherapy students from accredited Canadian physiotherapy programs. We administered the survey through Qualtrics and recruited students through targeted recruitment emails and social media posts on Twitter and Instagram between August and December 2021. Survey responses are reported as frequencies (percentage). We also completed multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate associations among question responses related to working with 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (i.e., communication, feeling prepared and assessment competency). Covariates included training hours (< 10/10 + hours) and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity (yes/no). Results A total of 150 students responded to the survey, with 35 (23%) identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ . Many students felt confident in communicating effectively with clients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (69%). However, only half (47%) felt comfortable assessing clients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ . Routine practice of inclusive behaviours such as using pronouns, considering identities are fluid and a patient’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation may shift from one visit to the next, and considering trauma-informed care practices were reported from less than half of the students (< 45%). Around 29% of students reported no 2SLGBTQIA+ training in their physiotherapy program, while 47% reported 0–10 hours, and 24% reported 10 + hours of training. Students with 10 + hours of training had 92% higher odds of feeling competent in assessing 2SLGBTQIA+ clients, compared to those with < 10 hours of training. Conclusions Entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada show a lack of understanding and awareness for 2SLGBTQIA+ health and inclusive behaviours which can meaningfully impact patient experience. Students report feeling incompetent when working with 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, which may be associated with lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ training in their programs. Greater efforts and attention towards increasing 2SLGBTQIA+ health education and inclusivity in Canadian entry-level physiotherapy programs is critically needed.

Journal article

What should a toolkit to aid the delivery of therapeutic exercise for hip and knee osteoarthritis look like? Qualitative analysis of an international survey of 318 researchers, clinicians, and consumers by the OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group

Featured 30 June 2023 Musculoskeletal Care21(2):545-555 (11 Pages) Wiley
AuthorsLawford BJ, Master H, Larsen JB, Bartholdy C, Corrigan P, Ginnerup‐Nielsen E, Le C, Teoli A, Bennell KL, Metcalf B, Hinman RS, Button K, Collins NJ, Cottrell E, Henrotin Y, Skou ST, Thoma LM, Wellsandt E, White DK, Holden MA

Background We aimed to identify important components of, and practical resources relevant for inclusion in, a toolkit to aid exercise delivery for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis. Method An online international multi-disciplinary survey was conducted across 43 countries (139 clinicians, 44 people with hip/knee osteoarthritis and 135 osteoarthritis researchers). Participants were presented with the seeding statement ‘Practical resources to aid the implementation of exercise for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis should…’ and asked to provide up to 10 open text responses. Responses underwent refinement and qualitative content analysis to create domains and categories. Results Refinement of 551 open text responses yielded 72 unique statements relevant for analysis. Statements were organised into nine broad domains, suggesting that resources to aid exercise delivery should: (1) be easily accessible; (2) be of high quality; (3) be developed by, and for, stakeholders; (4) include different ways of delivering information; (5) include different types of resources to support exercise and non-exercise components of self-management; (6) include resources on recommended exercises and how to perform/progress them; (7) include tools to support motivation and track progress; (8) include resources to enable tailoring of the programme to the individual and; (9) facilitate access to professional and peer support. Conclusion Our findings identified important components of, and practical resources to include within, a toolkit to aid delivery of exercise for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis. These findings have implications for exercise providers and lay the foundation for the development of a toolkit to help ensure exercise provision aligns with current international recommendations.

Journal article

Feasibility of the SOAR (Stop OsteoARthritis) program

Featured 31 March 2022 Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open4(1):1-9 (9 Pages) Elsevier
AuthorsWhittaker JL, Truong LK, Silvester-Lee T, Losciale JM, Miciak M, Pajkic A, Le CY, Hoens AM, Mosewich AD, Hunt MA, Li LC, Roos EM

Objective Assess the feasibility of a virtually-delivered, physiotherapist-guided knee health program (SOAR) that targets self-management of knee health and osteoarthritis risk after an activity-related knee injury. Design In this quasi-experimental feasibility study, individuals with varied lived experience of knee trauma completed a 4-week SOAR program. This included: 1) Knee Camp (group education, 1:1 exercise and activity goal-setting); 2) weekly home-based exercise and activity program with tracking, and; 3) weekly 1:1 physiotherapy-guided action-planning. SOAR program feasibility was assessed with implementation (attrition, adherence, intervention fidelity), practicality (adverse events, goal completion), acceptability and efficacy (change in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), Partner in Health Scale (PHS)) outcomes. Descriptive statistics, disaggregated by gender, were calculated. Results Thirty participants (60% women, median (min-max) age 30 years (19–50), time from injury 5.6 years (1.2–25.2)) were enrolled. No participant attrition or adverse events were reported, and 90% of mandatory program components were completed. Participants rated their adherence at 80%, and 96% of exercise-therapy and 95% of activity goals were fully or partially achieved. Both women and men reported significant group mean (95%CI) improvements in GLTEQ scores (women: 22 METS (6,37), men: 31 METS (8,54)), while women alone reported improvements in PHS (−7 (−11,-3) and PSFS (1.7 (0.6,2.8) scores. Conclusion The SOAR program is feasible for persons at various timepoints post-knee trauma, and gender may be an important consideration for SOAR implementation and assessment. A randomized controlled trial to assess intervention efficacy is warranted.

Journal article

Psychological, social and contextual factors across recovery stages following a sport-related knee injury: a scoping review

Featured October 2020 British Journal of Sports Medicine54(19):1149-1156 BMJ
AuthorsTruong LK, Mosewich AD, Holt CJ, Le CY, Miciak M, Whittaker JL

Objective

To explore the role of psychological, social and contextual factors across the recovery stages (ie, acute, rehabilitation or return to sport (RTS)) following a traumatic time-loss sport-related knee injury.

Material and methods

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews and Arksey and O’Malley framework. Six databases were searched using predetermined search terms. Included studies consisted of original data written in English that identified or described a psychological, social or contextual factor related to recovery after a traumatic time-loss sport-related knee injury. Two authors independently conducted title–abstract and full-text reviews. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Of 7289 records, 77 studies representing 5540 participants (37% women, 84% anterior cruciate ligament tears, aged 14–60 years) were included. Psychological factors were investigated across all studies, while social and contextual factors were assessed in 39% and 21% of included studies, respectively. A cross-cutting concept of individualisation was present across four psychological (barriers to progress, active coping, independence and recovery expectations), two social (social support and engagement in care) and two contextual (environmental influences and sport culture) themes. Athletes report multiple barriers to recovery and valued their autonomy, having an active role in their recovery and diverse social support.

Conclusion

Diverse psychological, social and contextual factors are present and influence all stages of recovery following a traumatic sport-related knee injury. A better understanding of these factors at the time of injury and throughout rehabilitation could assist with optimising injury management, promoting RTS, and long-term health-related quality-of-life.

Journal article

Balance, reframe, and overcome: The attitudes, priorities, and perceptions of exercise‐based activities in youth 12–24 months after a sport‐related ACL injury

Featured 31 January 2022 Journal of Orthopaedic Research40(1):170-181 (12 Pages) Wiley
AuthorsTruong LK, Mosewich AD, Miciak M, Pajkic A, Le CY, Li LC, Whittaker JL

Attitudes, priorities, and perceptions of exercise directly influence exercise behaviors. Despite the benefits of exercise-based activities for future health, little is known about how youth who experience an ACL injury view exercise-based activity beyond the immediate recovery period. A qualitative (interpretative description) approach with one-to-one semistructured interviews was used to probe the current attitudes, priorities, and perceptions of exercise-therapy, physical activity, and sport participation with a purposive sample of youth from an ongoing inception cohort study who experienced an ACL tear or reconstruction in the past 12–24 months. Analyses followed an inductive approach guided by an analytic interpretative description process. Reflexive journaling, memoing, and a detailed audit trail promoted data trustworthiness. A patient-partner was involved throughout. Ten youth (six women, four men), 15–19 years of age, and a median of 20-months (16–26) from injury were interviewed. Three overarching themes were identified. ‘Balancing physical activity and future knee health’ highlighted ongoing negotiations between what were perceived to be competing priorities for return-to-sport and future knee health. ‘Reframing the value of exercise-therapy and physical activity’ reflected the importance of reshaping attitudes toward exercise as positive and was linked to exercise adherence. ‘Overcoming unforeseen exercise challenges’ encompassed persisting psychological and physical challenges perceived to limit exercise-based activities. Clinical significance: reframing exercise-based activities in a positive light and leveraging motivation for return-to-sport and life-long knee health may be important strategies for encouraging ongoing exercise therapy and physical activity following a youth ACL injury.

Journal article

OPTIKNEE 2022: consensus recommendations to optimise knee health after traumatic knee injury to prevent osteoarthritis

Featured 31 December 2022 British Journal of Sports Medicine56(24):1393-1405 (13 Pages) BMJ Publishing Group
AuthorsWhittaker JL, Culvenor AG, Juhl CB, Berg B, Bricca A, Filbay SR, Holm P, Macri E, Urhausen AP, Ardern CL, Bruder AM, Bullock GS, Ezzat AM, Girdwood M, Haberfield M, Hughes M, Ingelsrud LH, Khan KM, Le CY, Losciale JM, Lundberg M, Miciak M, Øiestad BE, Patterson B, Räisänen AM, Skou ST, Thorlund JB, Toomey C, Truong LK, Meer BLV, West TJ, Young JJ, Lohmander LS, Emery C, Risberg MA, van Middelkoop M, Roos EM, Crossley KM

The goal of the OPTIKNEE consensus is to improve knee and overall health, to prevent osteoarthritis (OA) after a traumatic knee injury. The consensus followed a seven-step hybrid process. Expert groups conducted 7 systematic reviews to synthesise the current evidence and inform recommendations on the burden of knee injuries; risk factors for post-traumatic knee OA; rehabilitation to prevent post-traumatic knee OA; and patient-reported outcomes, muscle function and functional performance tests to monitor people at risk of post-traumatic knee OA. Draft consensus definitions, and clinical and research recommendations were generated, iteratively refined, and discussed at 6, tri-weekly, 2-hour videoconferencing meetings. After each meeting, items were finalised before the expert group (n=36) rated the level of appropriateness for each using a 9-point Likert scale, and recorded dissenting viewpoints through an anonymous online survey. Seven definitions, and 8 clinical recommendations (who to target, what to target and when, rehabilitation approach and interventions, what outcomes to monitor and how) and 6 research recommendations (research priorities, study design considerations, what outcomes to monitor and how) were voted on. All definitions and recommendations were rated appropriate (median appropriateness scores of 7–9) except for two subcomponents of one clinical recommendation, which were rated uncertain (median appropriateness score of 4.5–5.5). Varying levels of evidence supported each recommendation. Clinicians, patients, researchers and other stakeholders may use the definitions and recommendations to advocate for, guide, develop, test and implement person-centred evidence-based rehabilitation programmes following traumatic knee injury, and facilitate data synthesis to reduce the burden of knee post-traumatic knee OA.

Journal article

Long-term quality of life, work limitation, physical activity, economic cost and disease burden following ACL and meniscal injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis for the OPTIKNEE consensus

Featured 31 December 2022 British Journal of Sports Medicine56(24):1-12 (12 Pages) BMJ Publishing Group
AuthorsFilbay SR, Skou ST, Bullock GS, Le CY, Räisänen AM, Toomey C, Ezzat AM, Hayden A, Culvenor AG, Whittaker JL, Roos EM, Crossley KM, Juhl CB, Emery C

Objective Determine the long-term health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), work limitation, physical activity, health/economic cost and disease burden of traumatic ACL and/or meniscal injury. Findings will inform OPTIKNEE evidence-based consensus recommendations. Design Random-effects meta-analysis evaluated HRQoL (SF-36/SF-12/VR-12 Physical Component Scores (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D)) stratified by time postinjury, and pooled mean differences (95% CI) between ACL-injured and uninjured controls. Other outcomes were synthesised descriptively. Risk-of-bias (RoB) and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) were assessed. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL searched inception: 22 November 2021. Eligibility Studies reporting HRQoL, work limitations, physical activity levels, health/economic costs or disease burden, ≥2 years post-ACL and/or meniscal injury. Results Fifty studies were included (10 high-RoB, 28 susceptible-to-some-bias and 12 low-RoB). Meta-analysis (27 studies, very low certainty of evidence) estimated a pooled mean (95% CI) PCS of 52.4 (51.4 to 53.4) and MCS of 54.0 (53.0 to 55.0) 2–14 years post-ACL injury. Pooled PCS scores were worse >10 years (50.8 (48.7 to 52.9)) compared with 2–5 years (53.9 (53.1 to 54.7)) postinjury. Excluding high-RoB studies, PCS scores were worse in ACL-injured compared with uninjured controls (−1.5 (−2.9 to –0.1)). Six studies (low certainty of evidence) informed a pooled EQ-5D score of 0.83 (0.81 to 0.84). Some individuals experienced prolonged work absenteeism and modified activities ≥2 years post-ACL injury. ACL injury was associated with significant direct and indirect costs, and early ACL reconstruction may be less cost-effective than rehabilitation. Only three studies evaluated meniscal injury outcomes (all evaluated HRQoL). Conclusion There is a very-low certainty of evidence that PCS scores ≥2 years post-ACL injury are worse than uninjured controls and decline over time, whereas MCS scores remain high. ACL injury can result in prolonged work absenteeism and high health/economic costs. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term burden of traumatic meniscal injury.

Journal article
Clinimetrics: The vertical single leg hop test
Featured 30 April 2025 Journal of Physiotherapy71(2):1 Elsevier BV
AuthorsLosciale JM, Le CY

Description: The vertical single leg hop test (VSLHT) is a functional performance outcome measuring maximum single leg jump height (cm).1 The VSLHT is intended to assess sport-related movements and musculoskeletal loading demands.1,2 To perform this test, an individual stands on one leg, executes a rapid countermovement to a self-selected depth, jumps as high as possible, and then lands on the same leg.2, 3, 4 Height can be measured using instrumentation (eg, contact timing mat)2, 3, 4 or the chalk on wall method. The VSLHT can be completed on both legs in 10 to 15 minutes, including a dynamic warm-up and practice trials (three to five). Typically, multiple maximum effort attempts (minimum of three) are performed with 20 to 30 seconds of rest between attempts.

Journal article

What Does the Future Hold? Health-Related Quality of Life 3–12 Years Following a Youth Sport-Related Knee Injury

Featured 31 July 2021 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health18(13):1-13 (13 Pages) MDPI AG
AuthorsLe CY, Toomey CM, Emery CA, Whittaker JL

Knee trauma can lead to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and osteoarthritis. We aimed to assess HRQoL 3–12 years following youth sport-related knee injury considering HRQoL and osteoarthritis determinants. Generic (EQ-5D-5L index, EQ-VAS) and condition-specific (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score quality of life subscale, KOOS QOL) HRQoL were assessed in 124 individuals 3–12 years following youth sport-related knee injury and 129 uninjured controls of similar age, sex, and sport. Linear regression examined differences in HRQoL outcomes by injury group. Multivariable linear regression explored the influence of sex, time-since-injury, injury type, body mass index, knee muscle strength, Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) score, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) moderate-to-strenuous physical activity. Participant median (range) age was 23 years (14–29) and 55% were female. Injury history was associated with poorer KOOS QOL (−8.41; 95%CI −10.76, −6.06) but not EQ-5D-5L (−0.0074; −0.0238, 0.0089) or EQ-VAS (−3.82; −8.77, 1.14). Injury history (−5.14; −6.90, −3.38), worse ICOAP score (−0.40; −0.45, −0.36), and anterior cruciate ligament tear (−1.41; −2.77, −0.06) contributed to poorer KOOS QOL. Worse ICOAP score contributed to poorer EQ-5D-5L (−0.0024; −0.0034, −0.0015) and higher GLTEQ moderate-to-strenuous physical activity to better EQ-VAS (0.10; 0.03, 0.17). Knee trauma is associated with poorer condition-specific but not generic HRQoL 3–12 years post-injury.

Journal article

Strength Setbacks: The Impact of Youth Sport-Related Knee Joint Injuries on Thigh Muscle Strength. A 24-Month Prospective Cohort Study

Featured 28 February 2025 Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy55(2):137-147 (11 Pages) Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
AuthorsLosciale JM, Le CY, Jansen NEJ, Lu L, Xie H, Mitchell C, Hunt MA, Whittaker JL

OBJECTIVE: To compare injured and uninjured limb knee extensor and flexor peak torque between youth who experienced a sport-related, traumatic knee joint injury and comparable uninjured youth, at baseline (≤4 months of injury) and semiannually for 2 years. Differences by injury type and sex were also explored. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Bilateral knee extensor and flexor concentric isokinetic peak torque at 90° per second was assessed semiannually in 186 youth (106 injured, 80 controls) for 2 years. Between-group differences in strength over time were estimated with generalized estimating equations (95% confidence interval [CI]). Confounding was controlled using inverse probability weighting. Strength differences between those with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and those with non-ACL tear injuries as well as between male and female participants were explored. RESULTS: Compared to uninjured controls, injured limb knee extensor strength was lowest at baseline (−37.1 Nm; 95% CI, −45.3 to −28.9) and 6-month follow-up (−13.3 Nm; 95% CI, −20.4 to −6.2), with minimal strength gain beyond the 12-month follow-up (1.7 Nm; 95% CI, −14.3 to 17.6). Knee flexor strength of the injured limb was lowest at baseline (−24.6 Nm; 95% CI, −31.5 to −17.8), and there was minimal strength gain beyond 6 months (2.3 Nm; 95% CI, −7.7 to 12.3). The average residual deficit was similar to the knee extensors (10% to 11%) at 24 months. Exploratory analysis suggested no difference based on injury type or sex. CONCLUSION: Injured limb knee extensor and flexor weakness was present after different youth sport-related knee joint injuries. Strength deficits peaked early after injury, improved over time, and plateaued after 12 months, with lingering deficits at 24 months. Thigh muscle strength trajectory was similar across injury types and sex. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2025;55(2):137-147. Epub 20 December 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12663

Journal article

Assessing the efficacy of the Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR) program: A randomized delayed-controlled trial in persons at increased risk of early onset post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis

Featured 31 August 2024 Osteoarthritis and Cartilage32(8):1001-1012 (12 Pages) Elsevier BV
AuthorsLosciale JM, Truong LK, Zhang K, Silvester-Lee T, Miciak M, Pajkic A, Le CY, Xie H, Hoens AM, Mosewich AD, Hunt MA, Li LC, Roos EM, Whittaker JL

Objective Assess the efficacy of an 8-week virtual, physiotherapist (PT)-guided knee health program (Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR)) to improve knee extensor strength in individuals at risk of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA). Method In this superiority, randomized delayed-control trial, persons aged 16–35 years, 1–4 years after a self-reported knee joint injury were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive the SOAR program immediately (experimental group) or after a 9-week delay (control group). SOAR includes 1) one-time Knee Camp (virtual PT-guided group education, knee assessment, 1:1 exercise and physical activity (PA) goal-setting); 2) Weekly personalized home-based exercise and PA program with tracking; 3) Weekly 1:1 PT counseling (virtual). The primary outcome was a change in isokinetic knee extensor strength (baseline to 9-weeks). Additional outcomes included change in self-reported knee-related quality-of-life (QOL), self-efficacy, self-management and kinesiophobia, and PA (accelerometer) at 9 and 18-weeks. Linear regression models estimated the effect of the 8-week intervention at the primary endpoint (9-week). Results 49 of 54 randomized participants completed the study (91%). Participants were a mean ± standard deviation age of 27 ± 5.0 years, and 2.4 ± 0.9 years post-injury. No mean between group differences for the primary (0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.10, 0.19) or other outcomes were seen at 9 weeks except for greater improvements in perceived self-management (Partner in Health Scale; 11.3/96, 95%CI: 5.5, 17.1) and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; −4.4/33, 95%CI: −7.0, −1.8). Conclusion For active persons with elevated risk of PTOA, an 8-week SOAR program did not change knee-related strength, QOL, self-efficacy, or PA, on average, but may benefit the ability to self-manage knee health and kinesiophobia.

Journal article

Embrace your discomfort: leadership and unconscious bias in sport and exercise medicine

Featured March 2021 British Journal of Sports Medicine55(6):303-304 BMJ
AuthorsMarino KR, Vishnubala D, Ahmed OH, Zondi PC, Whittaker JL, Shafik A, Le CY, Chatterjee D, Odulaja A, Jones NE, Thornton JS
Journal article

Searching for the Holy Grail: A Systematic Review of Health-Related Quality of Life Measures for Active Youth

Featured 31 October 2021 Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy51(10):478-491 (15 Pages) Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
AuthorsLe CY, Truong LK, Holt CJ, Filbay SR, Dennett L, Johnson JA, Emery CA, Whittaker JL

Objective To identify the most suitable existing generic and condition-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for active youth with and without a musculoskeletal injury, based on measurement properties, interpretability, and feasibility. Design Systematic review of clinimetrics. Literature Search We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and Scopus from inception to April 30, 2020. Study Selection Criteria Records with original data describing the evaluation of a PROM or PROM subscale in active youth (15–24 years old) with or without a musculoskeletal injury were included. Non-English studies and those including individuals with a cognitive, developmental, or systemic condition were excluded. Data Synthesis This review was conducted according to the COSMIN user manual for systematic reviews of PROMs and the PRISMA guidelines. The COSMIN user manual guided our measurement property evaluation and interpretability and feasibility description. Results Of 6931 potential records, 21 studies were included. Eleven generic and 7 condition-specific PROMs were identified. No PROM received a final COSMIN recommendation of “A” because all lacked sufficient content validity. The 8-item Disablement in the Physically Active scale-mental summary component Short Form (DPA-MSC SF-8), Quality of Life Survey, and Functional Arm Scale for Throwers (FAST) were the most suitable existing PROMs, given their high-quality evidence for sufficient structural validity and internal consistency. Conclusion No definitively robust PROM for measuring generic or condition-specific HRQoL of active youth was identified. Until one exists, we recommend the DPA-MSC SF-8, the Quality of Life Survey, or the FAST and applying mixed methods to best characterize the HRQoL of active youth. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(10):478–491. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10412

Journal article

Youth With a Sport-Related Knee Injury Exhibit Significant and Persistent Knee-Related Quality-of-Life Deficits at 12-Month Follow-up Compared to Uninjured Peers

Featured 31 August 2023 Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy53(8):480-489 (10 Pages) Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
AuthorsLe CY, Galarneau J-M, Filbay SR, Emery CA, Manns PJ, Whittaker JL

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare knee-related quality of life (QOL) between youth with and without an intra-articular, sport-related knee injury at baseline (≤4 months postinjury), 6-month, and 12-month follow-up, and assess the association between clinical outcomes and knee-related QOL. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: We recruited 86 injured and 64 uninjured youth (similar age, sex, sport). Knee-related QOL was assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) QOL subscale. Linear mixed models (95% confidence interval [CI]; clustered on sex and sport) compared KOOS QOL between study groups over the study period, considering sex-based differences. We also explored the association of injury type (anterior cruciate ligament [ACL]/meniscus injury or other), knee extensor strength (dynamometry), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (accelerometer), intermittent knee pain (Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain [ICOAP] measure), and fear of reinjury (17-item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia) with knee-related QOL. RESULTS: Participant median (range) age was 16.4 (10.9-20.1) years, 67% were female, and 56% of injuries were ACL ruptures. Injured participants had lower mean KOOS QOL scores at baseline (−61.05; 95% CI: −67.56, −54.53), 6-month (−41.37; 95% CI: −47.94, −34.80), and 12-month (−33.34; 95% CI: −39.86, −26.82) follow-up, regardless of sex. Knee extensor strength (6- and 12-month follow-up), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (12-month follow-up), and ICOAP (all time points) were associated with KOOS QOL in injured youth. Additionally, having an ACL/meniscus injury and higher Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores were associated with worse KOOS QOL in injured youth. CONCLUSION: Youth with a sport-related knee injury have significant, persistent knee-related QOL deficits at 12-month follow-up. Knee extensor strength, physical activity, pain, and fear of reinjury may contribute to knee-related QOL. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(8):480-489. Epub: 20 June 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11611

Journal article

The fear of developing knee OA after a traumatic knee injury - and how to prevent it?

Featured December 2023 British Journal of Sports Medicine57(24):1579-1580 BMJ
AuthorsLe CY, Sleeswijk Visser T

If you have ever had a traumatic knee injury, you might be at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) earlier in life than someone who has not had an injury.1 In fact, you might even need to get surgery to replace the joint.2 The upside is that knowing this connection between knee injuries and OA gives healthcare providers and patients a chance to prevent or delay the onset of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).3 Unfortunately, until recently there were limited recommendations and research on how to prevent PTOA, so patients at risk might not get the care they need. That is why a group of physiotherapists, doctors, scientists and patients from around the world (called OPTINKEE) created a set of recommendations to help people take care of their knees and prevent PTOA.3 Having had anterior cruciate ligament injuries and working in healthcare ourselves, we are personally and professionally invested in this work. Below we would like to share our stories and how we think the OPTIKNEE recommendations might be useful for patients like us.

Journal article
ACL Injuries in Women’s Football: The Professionalization Mismatch
Featured June 2025 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy55(6):386-389 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT)
AuthorsLe CY, Emmonds S, Culvin A, Gouttebarge V

SYNOPSIS: This Viewpoint explores the “professionalization mismatch” in women’s football (soccer)—the disparity between rising demands and insufficient resources despite increasing demands on professional athletes. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury incidence has remained steady over the past 2 decades. ACL injuries are severe injuries for players, often leading to short-term deficits in performance and long-term health issues. Our attempt to conduct a systematic review on ACL injury risk reduction strategies in professional women’s football revealed a significant knowledge gap, highlighting the challenges of conducting rigorous research in this context. We propose steps to address these gaps, including evaluating current practices, conducting qualitative research, adopting open science practices, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration injury risk reduction programs to the growing demands of professional women football players. Collaborative research can support developing and implementing tailored ACL injury risk reduction strategies to improve players’ health and performance in professional women’s football. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2025;55(6):386-389. Epub 21 April 2025. doi:10.2519/jospt.2025.12926

{"nodes": [{"id": "30144","name": "Dr Christina Le","jobtitle": "Post Doctoral Research Fellow","profileimage": "/-/media/images/staff/dr-christina-le.jpg","profilelink": "/staff/dr-christina-le/","department": "Carnegie School of Sport","numberofpublications": "19","numberofcollaborations": "19"},{"id": "16981","name": "Dr Stacey Emmonds","jobtitle": "Reader","profileimage": "/-/media/images/staff/dr-stacey-emmonds.png","profilelink": "/staff/dr-stacey-emmonds/","department": "Carnegie School of Sport","numberofpublications": "101","numberofcollaborations": "1"},{"id": "27101","name": "Dr Alex Culvin","jobtitle": "Senior Research Fellow","profileimage": "/-/media/images/staff/default.jpg","profilelink": "/staff/dr-alex-culvin/","department": "Carnegie School of Sport","numberofpublications": "5","numberofcollaborations": "1"}],"links": [{"source": "30144","target": "16981"},{"source": "30144","target": "27101"}]}
Dr Christina Le
30144