Metformin and ACLR Muscle Recovery

This study is investigating whether metformin, a medication, can help improve muscle recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. After ACLR, some people experience increased muscle collagen (fibrosis) and inflammation, which can slow down recovery and impact leg strength. Researchers want to see if taking metformin daily for 4 months after surgery can reduce muscle fibrosis, cellular senescence (aging of cells), and improve leg strength. You might be able to join if you are 40 years or older, have a BMI under 30, a full ACL tear, and your surgery is scheduled within 6 months of your injury. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either metformin or a placebo (an inactive pill). The study aims to see if metformin helps improve muscle strength and reduce inflammation. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 40 planned participants. Individuals will be randomly assigned to receive either metformin or a placebo.
What's involved
Participants will take metformin or a placebo daily for 4 months after ACLR surgery. Muscle strength and inflammatory markers will be measured after this period.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed up 8 months after the intervention period to assess lasting effects.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07699367

Metformin and ACLR Muscle Recovery

Not Yet Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 40+InterventionalBasic science
University of Utah
~40 participants
Updated 2026-07-13 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:MetforminPlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Thigh Muscle Fibrosis
Measured over Measured at 4 months after ACLR surgery
+2 more outcomes measured
Atrophy
Inflammation
Weakness, Muscle

NCT07699367

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utahno site contact published

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Micah Drummond · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Utah

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  • Thigh Muscle FibrosisMeasured at 4 months after ACLR surgery

    Muscle collagen content (% Sirius Red Stain) will be measured in muscle biopsy samples from the involved thigh after 4 months of treatment and compared between the metformin and placebo groups.

  • Thigh Muscle Cellular SenescenceMeasured at 4 months following ACLR surgery.

    Muscle cellular senescence (% SA Beta galactosidase) will be measured in muscle biopsy samples from the involved thigh after 4 months treatment and will be compared between the metformin and placebo groups

  • Knee extensor muscle strengthMeasured at 4 months following ACLR surgery

    Knee extensor muscle strength from the involved leg (maximal voluntary isometric contraction; force) will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer after 4 months of treatment and compared between the metformin and placebo groups.