Comparing combined and sequential cognitive and physical training for ACL rehabilitation

Dual-Task Training in an Immersive Environment Compared to Single Task Training in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Individuals

NA · Zurich University of Applied Sciences · NCT06845150

This study is testing whether doing mental and physical exercises together or separately helps people recover better after ACL surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorZurich University of Applied Sciences (other)
Locations2 sites (Winterthur and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06845150 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of dual-task training versus single-task training on cognitive and physical performance in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Participants will engage in either combined cognitive and physical training or separate training sessions over a period of 10 weeks. The study aims to assess changes in cognitive performance, physical performance, and motivation, as well as analyze movement patterns during dual-task training in an immersive environment. The findings could provide insights into optimizing rehabilitation strategies for ACL reconstructed individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-40 who are at least 6 months post-ACL reconstruction and have a history of sports participation.

Not a fit: Patients with recent surgeries on the contralateral leg or those with acute or chronic health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation protocols, leading to improved cognitive and physical recovery for ACL reconstructed patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with dual-task training approaches in rehabilitation, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-40 years old
* At least 6 months after ACL injury
* Surgically reconstructed ACL
* At least 2 hours of sports participation before the injury
* Written consent of the attending surgeon to perform intensified training methods including one-legged jumps at 6 months after surgery after the first visit
* Ability to give informed consent as documented by signature
* Ability to understand instructions in German or English
* BMI \< 28 kg/m\^2
* Availability to take part in at least 70% of all training sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Surgery on the contralateral leg during the last 12 months
* Acute or chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary disorders
* Unadjusted vision problems
* Concussion during the last 6 months
* Pregnancy
* Breastfeeding
* Amputation
* Inflammatory pain or swelling during exercising

Where this trial is running

Winterthur and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, motor-cognitive training, dual-task training, anterior cruciate ligament injury, return to competition

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.