Cognitive Functional Therapy to reduce pain, improve function, and ease fear of movement after chronic ankle sprain
Official title: Investigating the Effects of Cognitive Functional Therapy on Pain, Physical Function, and Kinesiophobia in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Sprain
Run by Yeditepe University · NCT07449078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 12-week program will try Cognitive Functional Therapy to see if it reduces pain, improves physical function, and lowers fear of movement in adults 18–65 with chronic ankle sprain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yeditepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 6, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07449078 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with a history of lateral ankle sprain and ongoing symptoms for more than three months (pain, instability, giving-way, or activity limitations) who can communicate in English or Arabic are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent ankle surgery (within 12 months), advanced ankle osteoarthritis, major neurological or vestibular disease, current physiotherapy for the same condition, significant cognitive or psychiatric impairment, pregnancy, or other conditions judged unsuitable are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study delivers an individualized 12-week Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) program in seven sessions by a certified physiotherapist to adults with chronic ankle sprain. Participants are screened by an orthopedic specialist, complete validated self-report questionnaires at baseline, and repeat the same measures after the 12-week intervention. The design uses two time points (pre- and post-intervention) and stores paper and digital data securely in encrypted systems accessible only to the research team. The study is conducted at Yeditepe University in Istanbul and measures changes in pain, physical function, and kinesiophobia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce chronic ankle pain, improve daily and sports-related function, and decrease fear of movement that limits activity.
How similar studies have gone: CFT has shown benefits for chronic low back pain and some other musculoskeletal problems, but its application specifically to chronic ankle sprain is relatively novel and less well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ongoing pain or swelling, "giving way" episodes, and re-injury during sports or daily activity * Adults aged 18-65 years * History of lateral ankle sprain with symptoms persisting for more than 3 months * Continuing symptoms such as pain, instability, or activity limitations * Ability to understand and communicate in English or Arabic Exclusion Criteria: * History of ankle surgery within the past 12 months * Advanced ankle osteoarthritis or systemic inflammatory, neurological, or vestibular conditions * Currently undergoing physiotherapy for the same condition * Cognitive impairment or severe psychological disorder that could interfere with participation * Pregnancy or planned pregnancy during the study period * Any other condition deemed unsuitable by the research team
Where it's running
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Yeditepe University
Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Abdullah Omar Alwakil, Bachelor — Yeditepe University
- Study coordinator: Abdullah Omar A PT, MSc
- Email: abdullah.alwakil@std.yeditepe.edu.tr
- Phone: 0090 531 699 4226
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.