Neuromusculoskeletal Alterations After ACL Injury
- Conditions
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesSports InjuryNeurocognitive Function
- Registration Number
- NCT07163468
- Lead Sponsor
- Duzce University
- 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.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- Male
- Target Recruitment
- 60
Male athletes, aged 18-30 years
Regular participation in amateur or professional sports
For Primary ACL Group: history of a single ACL reconstruction, with rehabilitation completed ≥6 months prior to enrollment
For Revision ACL Group: history of at least two ACL surgeries including revision, with rehabilitation completed ≥6 months prior to enrollment
Ability to undergo EEG and reaction time testing
Willingness to complete psychological questionnaires (TSK-11, ACL-RSI)
Provision of written informed consent
Female sex (to avoid hormonal confounding effects on EEG recordings)
History of neurological or psychiatric conditions (e.g., epilepsy, ADHD, depression)
Additional lower extremity injuries or orthopedic surgeries
Presence of metal implants or scalp conditions incompatible with EEG
Uncorrected visual or auditory deficits
Systemic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy)
Current use of psychoactive medication
Cognitive or physical limitations interfering with EEG or reaction time testing
Study & Design
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Frontal EEG Theta/Beta Ratio 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 Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Visual Reaction Time (ms) 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.
Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 total score) 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.
Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (ACL-RSI total score) 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.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Duzce University
Düzce, Düzce, Turkey (Türkiye)
Duzce UniversityDüzce, Düzce, Turkey (Türkiye)