Mind over knee: mental skills training may boost ACL recovery in young athletes
NCT ID NCT07476430
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether mental skills training (MST) can improve coping and psychological readiness in 130 young athletes (ages 8-25) recovering from ACL reconstruction. Half will receive MST sessions before and after surgery; the other half will not. Researchers will measure coping skills, anxiety, depression, and readiness to return to sport over 9 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mental Skills Training (MST)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could give young athletes a proven way to build confidence and coping skills after ACL surgery, potentially improving their return to sport.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage behavioral study. The training may not significantly improve outcomes, and results may not apply to all athletes.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Boston Children's Waltham
Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, United States
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