Zapping the brain to rebuild leg muscle after ACL tears
NCT ID NCT07128602
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
After ACL surgery, many women have long-term thigh muscle weakness because the brain doesn't send strong enough signals to the muscle. This study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) during rehab exercises can boost those signals and improve strength. 42 women aged 18-35, 2-6 months after ACL reconstruction, will receive either real or sham stimulation over 6 sessions while doing thigh exercises. Researchers will measure muscle strength, speed, and brain activity to see if the stimulation helps.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could lead to a new rehab method that helps women regain thigh strength faster after ACL surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with only 42 participants. The brain stimulation may not produce meaningful improvements over standard rehab.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION REHABILITATION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Ryan Zarzycki
RECRUITINGGlenside, Pennsylvania, 19038, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••