Neuromusculoskeletal Alterations After ACL Injury

NCT07163468 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025/177
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study investigated how anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries affect not only the knee joint but also brain activity, reaction speed, and psychological readiness to return to sports. A total of 60 male athletes, aged 18 to 30 years, were evaluated in three groups: healthy athletes, athletes who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction, and athletes who had undergone revision ACL reconstruction. The study measured brain activity with electroencephalography (EEG), reaction time with a computer-based test, and psychological status with standardized questionnaires. The findings showed that athletes with revision ACL surgery had more difficulties in attention control, slower reaction times, and greater psychological barriers compared to the other groups. These results suggest that ACL injuries and surgeries may influence not only physical recovery but also brain function and psychological readiness. The study highlights the importance of considering neuromuscular, cognitive, and emotional aspects when planning rehabilitation and return-to-sport decisions.

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Sports Injury; Neurocognitive Function

Keywords

Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Kinesiophobia; Electroencephalography

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Frontal EEG Theta/Beta Ratio

  Cortical activity measured at F3 and F4 electrode sites using EEG (Nexus-10 system, Mind Media, Netherlands). Theta (4-8 Hz) and beta (13-21 Hz) power spectral densities were calculated and the ratio (theta/beta) was used as an indicator of attentional control. Higher ratios indicate reduced attention and cognitive efficiency.

  Single assessment on the study day (June-July 2025)

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Visual Reaction Time (ms)

  Single assessment on the study day (June-July 2025)

• Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 total score)

  Single assessment on the study day (June-July 2025)

• Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (ACL-RSI total score)

  Single assessment on the study day (June-July 2025)

Study Arms (3)

Healthy Control Group

Athletes with no history of knee injury or surgery (n=20).

Primary ACL Reconstruction Group

Athletes who had undergone a single ACL reconstruction, with rehabilitation completed at least 6 months prior to enrollment (n=20).

Revision ACL Reconstruction Group

Athletes who had undergone at least two ACL surgeries including revision, with rehabilitation completed at least 6 months prior to enrollment (n=20).

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of 60 male athletes aged 18 to 30 years. Participants were divided into three groups: healthy controls with no history of knee injury, athletes with primary ACL reconstruction, and athletes with revision ACL reconstruction. All were actively engaged in regular sports participation and had completed ACL rehabilitation at least 6 months prior to enrollment.

You may qualify if:

• Male athletes
• Age between 18 and 30 years
• Regular participation in amateur or professional sports
• Completion of ACL rehabilitation (for surgical groups) at least 6 months before enrollment
• Ability to undergo EEG and reaction time testing
• Provision of signed informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of neurological or psychiatric conditions (e.g., epilepsy, ADHD, depression)
• Additional lower extremity injuries or orthopedic surgeries
• Metal implants or scalp conditions incompatible with EEG
• Uncorrected visual or auditory deficits
• Systemic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy)
• Use of psychoactive medication
• Any cognitive or physical limitation interfering with testing procedures
• Female participants (to avoid hormonal confounding effects on EEG recordings)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Duzce University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Duzce University

Düzce, 81620, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Kaya HB, Karaduman ZO, Akpinar S, Arican M, Saglam S, Aksit S, Koc M, Uludag V. Neuromusculoskeletal alterations after ACL reconstruction: a cross-sectional study of cortical activity, motor response, and psychological readiness. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Nov 29. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01450-6. Online ahead of print.

  PMID: 41318585 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletic Injuries; Kinesiophobia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Knee Injuries; Leg Injuries; Wounds and Injuries; Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 1, 2025
• First Posted: September 9, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: July 15, 2025
• Study Completion: August 1, 2025
• Last Updated: September 15, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)