tDCS plus exercise to improve motor control after ACL reconstruction
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Motor Cortex During Recovery of ACL Patients
Run by Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir · NCT06818201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) to exercise-based rehab helps people aged 16–40 recovering from ACL reconstruction regain better muscle control and function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Valencia, Valencia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 28, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 27, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 27, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06818201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged 16–40 with a complete ACL tear treated surgically who were moderately to highly active before injury (Tegner ≥4).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with additional knee/leg injuries, neurological disorders, recent concussion, cranial metal implants, or those taking medications that affect brain activity are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants who had a complete ACL tear treated with surgery will receive a rehabilitation program that pairs transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the motor cortex with exercise, compared with sham tDCS plus the same exercises. The protocol measures cortical reorganization and corticospinal activation alongside pain, psychosocial measures, and functional outcomes to see if neuromuscular control improves. Key eligibility includes age 16–40 and a Tegner activity level of 4 or higher, while exclusions include other lower-limb pathology, neurological disease, recent concussion, cranial metal, or medications that affect neuronal activity. The study aims to determine whether supraspinal modulation via tDCS can reduce arthrogenic muscle inhibition and enhance recovery after ACL reconstruction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining tDCS with exercise rehab could speed recovery of muscle control and reduce the risk of re-injury after ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: Small trials and pilot studies combining tDCS with physical rehabilitation for motor recovery have shown some promising but inconsistent results, so the approach remains experimental.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis complete ACL tear through clinical evaluation and MRI imaging. * Patients who have received surgical intervention. * Aged between 16 and 40 years. * Tegner activity level of 4 or higher. Exclusion Criteria: * Rupture, such as tendons, cartilage, bones, or ligaments. * Absence of any pre-existing or current lower limb pathologies, such as open surgeries, knee arthroscopies, or femur/tibia fractures. * Neuromuscular or metabolic diseases. * Concussion within the past six months are not eligible. * Cranial surgery or have intracranial metal clips are ineligible. * Taking medications that affect neuronal activity. * Neurological diseases or disorders are not eligible for participation.
Where it's running
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Catholic Univerity of Valencia
Valencia, Valencia, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Juan Vicente Mampel, PhD
- Email: juan.vicente@ucv.es
- Phone: +34963637412
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Plyometric training added to standard rehab after ACL reconstruction
This study tests whether adding plyometrics to the usual rehab after ACL reconstruction helps improve leg strength and function in adults aged 18–40.
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Isokinetic vs Plyometric Training After ACL Reconstruction
This trial tests whether isokinetic or plyometric training, added after standard rehab, best improves strength, function, and patient-reported outcomes in adults 18–40 after ACL reconstruction.
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This project will test whether ultrasound speckle-tracking can measure how ligaments, tendons, and hamstrings stretch and move in athletes and patients recovering from injuries.
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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.