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.

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Boston Children's Waltham

    Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, United States

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

    Contact