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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 42 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2025
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: \- females 2-6 months after ACL reconstruction Exclusion Criteria: * multiple ligament reconstruction * osteochondral procedures * any previous lower extremity surgery * previous ACL injury * Metal or implants in the head or neck * history of neurological disease * seizures * severe migraines * concussion within the last 6 months
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ryan Zarzycki
RECRUITINGGlenside, Pennsylvania, 19038, United States
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