Can a brace after ACL surgery get athletes back in the game faster?

NCT ID NCT06942754

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether wearing a functional knee brace after ACL reconstruction helps athletes feel more ready to return to sports. 96 people aged 14-39 with a complete ACL tear who want to get back to sports will be enrolled. Half will wear a brace after surgery, half will not, and researchers will measure psychological readiness and fear of re-injury.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

DonJoy Defiance Pro brace

What this could lead to

If it works, this could show that wearing a brace after ACL surgery helps athletes feel more confident and ready to return to sports.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 96 people. It may not prove that bracing reduces re-injury rates, and results may not apply to all athletes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Wake Forest University Health Sciences

    RECRUITING

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••