ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation With Exercise and Psychological Support

Launched by HEALTHPARTNERS INSTITUTE · May 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the best way to help patients recover from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery by combining exercise with psychological support. Researchers want to compare two groups: one group of physical therapists will receive training to provide better emotional support to patients during rehabilitation, while the other group will not have this training. Both groups will follow the same exercise program and watch short videos related to their group during the recovery process. Participants won’t know which group they are in until the study is finished.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be aged 15 to 21 and have had ACL surgery within the last 6 months. They should have been active in sports before their injury and plan to return to a sport that involves running, jumping, or quick changes in direction. Those interested will attend four visits over six months, including one before surgery and three follow-ups. It’s important to note that individuals with previous ACL injuries or certain other knee problems will not be able to participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 15 to 21 years at the time of surgery;
• • Pre-injury Tegner Activity Rating60 ≥ 5 (5=recreational sports, 10=elite sports);
• • Sports participation at least 100 hours/year prior to injury;
• • Intent to resume a pre-injury sport that requires cutting, jumping, or pivoting;
• • ACL reconstruction performed ≤ 6 months from injury;
• • ACL reconstruction performed with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft; and
• • Able to complete rehabilitation at TRIA Gameface location.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous ACL injury or surgery to either limb;
• • Concomitant ligamentous injury \> Grade II or requiring surgery; and
• • Surgical procedure to articular cartilage requiring non-weight-bearing after surgery.