Brain-computer visualization training to improve muscle activation after orthopedic surgery
Brain-Computer Interface Visualization Training to Optimize Muscle Activation Following Orthopaedic Surgery: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
This tests whether adding EEG-based neurofeedback visualization to usual physical therapy helps adults recovering from ACL, hip, or knee surgery activate their muscles better and speed recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT07020312 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults who have had ACL reconstruction, total hip or knee arthroplasty, or hip arthroscopy receive standard post-surgical rehabilitation and are assigned either to usual therapy alone or to usual therapy plus neurofeedback visualization training. The neurofeedback uses an EEG cap while patients imagine specific movements and a computer displays a virtual avatar performing those movements in real time to provide visual feedback. The intervention is delivered alongside routine physical therapy sessions and muscle activation and functional recovery measures will be tracked over the postoperative course. The study aims to reduce arthrogenic muscle inhibition that can limit strength and mobility after these procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 scheduled for primary ACL reconstruction, total hip or knee arthroplasty, or hip arthroscopy who can comply with neurofeedback training and attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior stroke, movement disorders, peripheral neuropathy, implanted electronic devices like pacemakers, BMI over 35, certain prior joint surgeries or severe joint arthritis, or those unable to participate in neurofeedback are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce postoperative muscle inhibition and help patients regain strength and function more quickly during rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: Neurofeedback and visualization have shown promise in motor recovery and motor learning studies (for example in stroke rehabilitation), but using EEG-driven visualization specifically to treat postoperative arthrogenic muscle inhibition is relatively novel and not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participants * Inclusion Criteria: * Patient age \>18 years * Ability to complete neurofeedback training and follow study follow-ups * Indicated for one of the four investigated orthopedic procedures * Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to participate in neurofeedback training * Lack of decisional capability * History of stroke, movement disorder (e.g. Parkinson's), peripheral neuropathy * Cardiac pacemaker or other internal electronic device * BMI \>35 * Previous surgery or specific pathology on the affected joint (refer to procedure specific indications below) Procedure Specifics: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) Procedure-specific Inclusion Criteria * Patients undergoing primary ACLR with autograft or allograft tissue * Adjunct lateral Extra-articular tenodesis will be included * Additional meniscus debridement and repair will be included Procedure-specific exclusion criteria * Revision ACL surgery * Moderate to Severe arthritis - Kellgren-Lawerence (KL) Grade \> 3 * Patients with meniscus root repair * Non-weight-bearing status exceeding 1 week postoperatively Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) Procedure specific inclusion criteria * Patients undergoing primary TKA * Preoperative total knee range of motion of at least 100 degrees (combined flexion and extension) * Prior extensor mechanism tendon repair, quadriceps or patella tendon. Procedure specific exclusion criteria * Revision surgery * Hinged implant * Any open procedure involving the knee joint * Symptomatic arthritis in the contralateral knee with planned or expected total knee arthroplasty within 6 months * Inflammatory Arthritis Total hip arthroplasty (THA) Procedure Specific Inclusion Criteria * Patients undergoing primary THA Procedure Specific Exclusion Criteria * Revision Surgery * Any open procedure involving the hip joint * Bilateral THA procedures * Inflammatory Arthritis Hip arthroscopy (HA) for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) Procedure Specific Inclusion Criteria · Patients undergoing HA for FAIS Procedure Specific Exclusion Criteria * Revision Surgery * Diagnosis of hip dysplasia
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jorge Chahla, MD, PhD — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brian Forsythe, MD
- Email: Brian.forsythe@rushortho.com
- Phone: 708-236-2782
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.