Gentle brain stimulation to boost quadriceps recovery after ACL reconstruction
Determining the Effects of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Quadriceps Muscle Function After ACL Reconstruction.
This research will test whether gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation given during thigh-strengthening sessions helps women aged 18–35 regain stronger quadriceps after ACL surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Arcadia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Glenside, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT07128602 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, triple-blinded study will enroll 42 women aged 18–35 who are 2–6 months post-primary ACL reconstruction and randomize them to receive either active or sham anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during isolated quadriceps exercises. Participants will complete six treatment sessions while quadriceps performance is measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Investigators will measure three aspects of quadriceps muscle performance (strength, speed, and steadiness) and two measures of corticospinal excitability to track neural changes. The study will also examine whether changes in corticospinal excitability are linked to improvements in muscle performance in female participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–35 who are 2–6 months after a primary ACL reconstruction, without prior lower-extremity surgery or neurological conditions, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with multiple-ligament repairs, osteochondral procedures, prior ACL injuries, metal implants in the head/neck, a history of seizures or neurological disease, severe migraines, or a concussion within six months are unlikely to benefit from this protocol or are ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make postoperative rehabilitation more effective for women by improving quadriceps strength and function after ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that tDCS can increase corticospinal excitability and improve motor performance in other rehabilitation settings, but applying it specifically to quadriceps recovery after ACL reconstruction in young women is a relatively novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- females 2-6 months after ACL reconstruction Exclusion Criteria: * multiple ligament reconstruction * osteochondral procedures * any previous lower extremity surgery * previous ACL injury * Metal or implants in the head or neck * history of neurological disease * seizures * severe migraines * concussion within the last 6 months
Where this trial is running
Glenside, Pennsylvania
- Ryan Zarzycki — Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ryan Zarzycki, PhD
- Email: zarzyckir@arcadia.edu
- Phone: 215-572-2852
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.