Improving recovery after ACL surgery with exercise and mental support
Official title: ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support
Funded at Healthpartners Institute · NIH-10800102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people recover from ACL surgery by combining exercise with emotional support, so patients can feel better both physically and mentally during their healing process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Healthpartners Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,160 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR082572-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10800102 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone ACL reconstruction and are experiencing fear or anxiety about returning to sports.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had ACL surgery or those who are not engaged in sports may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new rehabilitation approach called Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support (REPS) for patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It combines physical exercise with psychological support to help patients manage their emotions and fears related to re-injury. The study aims to train both clinicians and patients on effective mental skills to improve recovery outcomes. By addressing both physical and psychological aspects of rehabilitation, the research seeks to enhance the overall recovery experience for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery rates and a higher return-to-sport success for patients after ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that integrating psychological support into physical rehabilitation can improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Healthpartners Institute
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chmielewski, Terese L — Healthpartners Institute
- Study coordinator: Chmielewski, Terese L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.