Improving recovery after ACL surgery with virtual therapy

Randomized Control Trial of the Impact of a Virtual Psychological Intervention on the Outcomes of ACLR

NA · Henry Ford Health System · NCT05965310

This study is testing if a virtual therapy program can help people recover better and get back to sports after ACL surgery compared to just regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages13 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHenry Ford Health System (other)
Locations1 site (Detroit, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT05965310 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual psychological intervention (VPI) using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving VPI alongside standard care or a control group receiving only standard care. The study will assess outcomes such as return to sport and overall post-operative recovery over a two-year period. The goal is to determine if the virtual CBT modules can enhance recovery outcomes compared to standard rehabilitation alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients over the age of 12 undergoing their first ACLR surgery with a Henry Ford Sports Orthopedic surgeon.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing revision ACL surgery or those with certain pre-existing conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes and return-to-sport rates for ACLR patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with virtual psychological interventions in various medical contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients over the age of 12 with ACL injuries undergoing ACLR with a Henry Ford Sports Orthopedic Surgeon
* First time ACLR on the injured knee

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing revision ACL surgery
* Concomitant posterior cruciate ligament injury of the involved knee
* Systemic or local infection pre-operatively
* Systemic administration of any type of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive agents within 30 days of surgery
* History of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or autoimmune diseases
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Detroit, Michigan

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: Depression, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Mental Health Issue

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.