CompletedNot Applicable

Conditioning Brain Responses to Improve Thigh Muscle Function After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

United States11 participantsStarted 2017-09-21

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to examine if thigh muscle weakness and the lack of muscle activation that accompanies ACL injury can be improved through a form of mental coaching and encouragement, known as operant conditioning.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18-45 years * suffered an acute, complete ACL rupture * have undergone ACL reconstructive surgery * willingness to participate in testing and follow-up as outlined in the protocol Exclusion Criteria: * have suffered a previous ACL injury; * have undergone previous major surgery to either knee; * have a history of recent significant knee injury (other than ACL) or lower-extremity fracture; * have a history of uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension; * be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; * have metal implants in the head; * have electronic devices in their ear or heart (e.g., cochlear implants or cardiac pacemakers); * have unexplained recurrent headaches; * have a recent history of seizures; * be taking drugs that reduce seizure threshold; * have a history of repeated fainting spells;

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Changes in Quadriceps muscle strength

Timeframe: Approximately 8 weeks after the start of intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03209531

SponsorUniversity of Michigan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-11-24

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.