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NCT Number: NCT07163468

Neuromusculoskeletal Alterations After ACL Injury

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Anxiety Disorders Athletic Injuries Kinesiophobia Knee Injuries Leg Injuries Mental Disorders Neurocognitive Function Phobic Disorders Sports Injury Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Duzce University

Düzce, 81620, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

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)

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Frontal EEG Theta/Beta Ratio

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

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Visual Reaction Time (ms)

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

    Computer-based visual response task; mean reaction time (ms) computed across 5 valid trials after practice. Longer times indicate lower sensorimotor efficiency.

  2. Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 total score)

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

    Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11; 11 items, 1-4 Likert; total score 11-44. Higher scores indicate greater fear of movement/reinjury.

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

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

    ACL-RSI questionnaire; 12 items scored 0-100; total reported as mean (0-100). Higher scores indicate greater psychological readiness.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Duzce University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Neuromusculoskeletal Alterations After ACL Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study of Cortical Activity, Motor Response, and Psychological Readiness

Acronym: NEURO-ACL

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Sep 9, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 15, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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