Study of Functional Magnetic Resonance Signal Variations in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With the Application of a Dedicated Neuromotor Training

Launched by STEFANO ZAFFAGNINI · Jul 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical study is looking at how a special kind of brain scan called functional MRI (fMRI) can help us understand changes in brain activity after surgery to fix a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The ACL is a key ligament that helps stabilize the knee, and injuries to it are common, especially in athletes. Unfortunately, even after surgery and rehab, many people have a high chance of injuring the ACL again. This study will test a new type of training called neuromotor training, which aims to improve how the brain and muscles work together to control movement and reduce risky patterns that can lead to re-injury.

If you’ve had ACL reconstruction surgery, are between 18 and 30 years old, and are fairly active (with a Tegner activity level above 6, meaning you participate regularly in sports or physical activities), you might be eligible to join this study. Participants will have an fMRI brain scan after surgery but before starting the neuromotor training, and again after completing the training program. The goal is to see if this training helps the brain “rewire” itself to support safer, more automatic movements, which could lower the chance of injuring the knee again. This study could benefit not only those who participate but also future patients by improving rehabilitation methods.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery at any healthcare facility
• • Able to understand and consent, adults, who have provided informed consent to participate in the study
• • Male or female
• • Age between 18 and 30 years at the time of signing the informed consent
• • Tegner activity level \> 6
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History and/or evidence of any neurological disorder or functional impairment;
• • Evidence of previous surgeries on the lower limb;
• • Inability to provide informed consent;
• • Inability to perform the tasks required by the procedure;
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
• • Oncology patients;
• • Contraindications to undergoing MRI examinations.