Graded exposure and mindfulness meditation for patients recovering from ACL reconstruction
Official title: The GEMM Trial: Graded Exposure and Mindfulness Meditation for Patients Post- ACL Reconstruction
Run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT05949177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a combination of mindfulness meditation and graded exposure can help young adults who have had ACL surgery feel less anxious and improve their reaction time during recovery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05949177 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-25 years who have undergone unilateral ACL reconstruction and report elevated levels of injury-related fear.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of secondary ACL injury or those who do not exhibit elevated injury-related fear may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a combined approach of graded exposure and mindfulness meditation in reducing injury-related fear and anxiety, as well as improving reaction time in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Participants aged 18-25 years, who are 1 to 5 years post-ACLR, will be randomized into either the intervention group receiving the GEMM program or a waitlist control group. The intervention will be delivered through the Headspace application over a 5-week period, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention to measure outcomes related to fear, anxiety, and reaction time. The study aims to provide insights into the feasibility and efficacy of integrating mindfulness practices into rehabilitation for ACL injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce fear and anxiety related to reinjury, enhancing recovery and performance for young athletes post-ACLR.
How similar studies have gone: While graded exposure and mindfulness meditation have shown promise individually, this combined approach has not been extensively tested in the context of ACL rehabilitation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 14-35 years * Have self-reported levels of fear on the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 and the Photographic Series of Sports Activities for ACLR * Injured their knee playing or training for sports (recreational or organized) * Have a history of unilateral ACLR * 6 months to 10-years post-ACLR Exclusion Criteria: * History of secondary ACL injury * Do not exhibit elevated injury-related fear * Concomitant surgeries at the time of ACL reconstruction
Where it's running
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Woollen Gymnasium, 300 South Road
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shelby E Baez, Ph.D., ATC — UNC-Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Shelby E Baez, Ph.D., ATC
- Email: sbaez@unc.edu
- Phone: 919-445-1500
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Perturbation Training vs Functional Activities after ACL Reconstruction
This study tests whether perturbation training or task-oriented functional activities help people 18–45 with ACL reconstruction recover better than standard rehab.
-
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This will follow people having routine arthroscopic shoulder or knee surgery to see if patient characteristics, tear details, or surgical choices predict better recovery and function over two years.
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Magic Angle Direction Imaging for ACL tears and meniscus injuries
This study tries a new low-field MRI technique called Magic Angle Direction Imaging to see if it shows ACL tears and meniscus injuries more clearly in adults scheduled for ligament repair.
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Proprioceptive exercises to aid recovery after ACL surgery
This trial will see if adding proprioceptive exercises to standard balance training helps people aged 20–40 during the early rehab period after ACL surgery.
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Visual-guided balance training to improve knee function after ACL reconstruction
This program tests whether adding visual-guided balance training to standard rehabilitation helps adults 18–45 recover knee function and walking after ACL reconstruction.
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Predicting knee cartilage wear and pain after early osteoarthritis or a recent ACL injury
This project will try to create computer models that predict cartilage damage and pain over time for people with early knee osteoarthritis or an ACL injury within the past year.
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.