Examining stress responses to virtual risky movements after ACL surgery

Stress Response to Virtual Exposure to Risky Movements After Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rehabilitation and Its Relationship With Kinesiophobia

Observational Ege University · NCT05929261

This study tests how male athletes who had ACL surgery react to stressful movements in virtual reality to see how it affects their recovery and confidence in returning to sports.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorEge University Academic / other
Locations1 site (İzmir)
Trial IDNCT05929261 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the physiological stress responses of male patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery when exposed to risky athletic movements through virtual reality. Participants will have completed their rehabilitation and will be assessed for their functional performance in relation to their stress responses. The study aims to understand the connection between kinesiophobia and stress in athletes returning to sports that involve cutting and landing motions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include male athletes aged 18 and older who have undergone isolated unilateral ACL reconstruction and are cleared for unrestricted physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients who have experienced reinjury during rehabilitation or have other knee-related injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help improve rehabilitation strategies and psychological support for athletes recovering from ACL injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific approach to studying stress responses in ACL recovery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Study Group:

* 18 years or older
* Male gender
* Having history of isolated unilateral ACL reconstruction surgery
* Physician clearance for unrestricted physical activity after having at least 6-months of rehabilitation following surgery
* Willing to return to sports that require cutting and landing motions
* Not having any sports injuries past three months
* Not having any previous orthopaedic surgery other than ACL reconstruction surgery

Inclusion Criteria for Control Group:

* 18 years or older
* Male gender
* Playing sports that require cutting and landing motions
* Physician clearance for unrestricted physical activity
* Not having any sports injuries past three months
* Not having any previous orthopaedic surgery

Exclusion Criteria for Study Group:

* Having a reinjury during rehabilitation
* Having multiple ligament injuries before the surgery
* Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis
* Diagnosed with knee cartilage injury
* Diagnosed with meniscus tear

Exclusion Criteria for Control Group:

* Diagnosed with ACL injury
* Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis
* Diagnosed with knee cartilage injury
* Diagnosed with meniscus tear

Where this trial is running

İzmir

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.
Conditions KinesiophobiaAnterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesVirtual RealityStressAthleteSports Medicine
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.