Alkjær Group – Human Movement Science

• Motion capture (12 cam Vicon-Nexus) & force plates (AMTI)
• Biomechanical movement analysis (3D inverse dynamics).
• Musculoskeletal modeling (OpenSim).
• Muscle strength assessments (isokinetics / Biodex dynamometer).
• Muscle activity assessments (electromyography).
• Pressure pain sensitivity assessments.
• Questionnaires (various patient reported outcome measures).
• Group concept mapping; mixed-method for stakeholder involvement (Groupwisdom™).
• REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at Region H.

Our current research projects are listed below.

The effect of baseline knee pain on knee joint cartilage loss in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed individuals

A target trial emulation based on the MIRAKOS cohort study (see below).

Funded by Åse og Ejnar Danielsens Fond (2025) and partly by the Oak Foundation.

Aim

To determine the effect of baseline knee pain versus no knee pain on knee joint space narrowing over a period of at least four years in ACL reconstructed individuals.

Method

This study is designed as a target trial emulation study, based on a the MIRAKOS cohort – see the study protocol for details.

Expectation

We expect that people with knee pain will have a greater loss of knee joint cartilage over time than those without pain. The study will help determine whether knee pain can be an early sign of knee osteoarthritis and strengthen prevention for this group.

Collaboration

The University of Copenhagen, The Parker Institute at Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, the Sports Orthopedic Research Center at Amager-Hvidovre Hospital, and the Department of Radiology at Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital.

Musculoskeletal function in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed individuals with and without knee pain

MIRAKOS, Innovation Fund Denmark 9088-00006B-under the frame of ERA PerMed (2019).

Publications

Bandak E, Stenroth L, Bosch W, et al. Knee muscle strength and movement biomechanics in individuals with and without knee pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A cross-sectional study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1002/ksa.12630

Aim

To compare the musculoskeletal function between ACL reconstructed individuals with (“Symptomatic”) and without knee pain (“Asymptomatic”).

Method

Musculoskeletal function assessments - see study protocol for details.

Expectation

Detailed description and quantification of muscle function in two groups of ACL reconstructed individuals (Symptomatic, n=30) vs Asymptomatic, n=90). This will provide insight in possible needs for interventions and mechanisms that trigger early onset of knee OA.

Collaboration

Part of DEEPMECHANOKNEE.

A novel tool for personalized and socio-economically optimal treatment planning for patients with osteoarthritis

DEEPMECHANOKNEE under the frame of ERA PerMed (2019)

Aim

To develop an accurate and fast method to predict the progression of knee osteoarthritis over time.

Method

A multi-scale biomechanics and computational modelling, imaging, and clinical data are combined with a deep learning algorithm.

Expectation

This method can indicate (optimize) the best possible personalized treatment for a patient that could ultimately prevent or delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Collaboration

University of Eastern Finland, Lund University, University of Oulu, University of Copenhagen and The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen

Knee Injury Prediction in Sports (KNIPS)

Funded by The Ministry of Culture Committee on Research (2021).

Aim

To develop new concept for knee injury prediction/prevention in team ball sports.

Method

Group concept mapping; mixed-methods; involvement of key stakeholders.

Expectation

A conceptual model that can be used as a dialogue tool to facilitate knee injury prevention in team ball sports (handball and soccer).

Collaboration

The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Sports Orthopaedic Research Center-Copenhagen (SORC-C), Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, UCPH.

Outcomes in children with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (2015)

Aim

To understand how children with ACL reconstruction are evaluated and how they adapt/develop.

Method

Different methodological approaches: literature review (scoping review) and exploratory cross-sectional studies using existing cohort data in pediatric ACL patients and healthy controls.

Expectation

Improved understanding of the outcome after ACL injury and reconstruction in children with the potential to refine rehabilitation of these children to reduce risk of secondary injuries and functional impairments.

Collaboration

Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Department of Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychomotor Therapy, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, The Parker Institute, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, UCPH.

• The Ministry of Culture Committee on Research
• Innovation Fund Denmark
• Åse og Ejnar Danielsens Fond