Determining the Effects of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Quadriceps Muscle Function After ACL Reconstruction

Part of paid clinical trials in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Sponsor
Arcadia University
Study ID
NCT07128602
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation
  • Quadriceps Muscle Function

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
FEMALE
Age
18 Years - 35 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — DEVICE
    20 minutes of anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex contralateral to the participants surgical limb during a quadriceps torque matching task
  • sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — DEVICE
    Participants receive sham tDCS in which the device only delivers current during the first and last 30 seconds while participants perform a quadriceps torque matching task

Study Details

After knee surgery for a torn ACL, many women struggle with weak thigh muscles for years, partly due to reduced brain signals to these muscles. Our research tests a new approach to improve recovery by using low-level brain stimulation to boost these signals. The investigators will study 42 women, aged 18-35, who had ACL surgery. They'll be split into two groups: one receiving real brain stimulation and another getting a placebo, both during thigh-strengthening exercises. Over six sessions, the investigators measure thigh muscle strength, speed, and steadiness, plus two brain signal measures, using special equipment. The investigators will also check if stronger brain signals lead to better muscle performance, especially in women. Our goal is to show that this new method strengthens thigh muscles better than standard rehab, helping women recover better after surgery. If successful, this could improve physical therapy for women recovering from ACL surgery, making daily activities and return to sport easier.

Key Dates

Start date
Jun 6, 2025
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Jan 31, 2028
Completion
Mar 1, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
42 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Active tDCS
    This group will receive 20 minutes of active anodal tDCS
  • Sham Comparator: Sham tDCS
    This group will receive sham anodal tDCS. The tDCS unit will be active for the first 30 seconds and the last 30 seconds only.

Primary Outcome Measure

Peak quadriceps muscle torque [ Time Frame: Pre and post intervention ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Ryan ZarzyckiGlensidePennsylvania19038
Ryan Zarzycki, PT, PhD
[email protected]
215-572-8527

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