Exercise + Psychological Support for ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation

(ACLR-REPS Trial)

Overseen By TRIA Research

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: HealthPartners Institute

Disqualifiers: Previous ACL injury, Concomitant ligamentous injury, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 6 months

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to examine ACLR Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support (REPS), comparing two approaches for providing psychological support along with exercise during ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. In one group, physical therapists have received training that may boost emotional support during rehabilitation. In the other group, physical therapists will not have the training. Both groups will get similar exercises and participate in the same testing. Both groups will also watch short videos during rehabilitation that are specific to their group. Participants will not know to which group they are assigned until the end of the study. Participation will attend a total of four study visits over the course of 6 months, including 1 visit before the surgery and 3 visits during follow-up.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young athletes aged 15-21 who had ACL surgery within the last 6 months and plan to return to sports that involve cutting, jumping, or pivoting. They must have been active in sports before injury and aim to resume at a similar level. Rehabilitation will take place at TRIA Gameface.

Inclusion Criteria

I was active in sports or physical activities before my injury.

I participated in sports for over 100 hours a year before my injury.

I plan to go back to playing a sport that involves quick movements.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-surgery Baseline

Participants attend a baseline visit before surgery to assess initial conditions

1 visit

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo ACL reconstruction and receive rehabilitation with exercise and psychological support

6 months

3 visits (in-person) during follow-up

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological readiness and knee function post-treatment

6 months

3 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support (REPS)

Trial Overview The study compares two methods of ACL rehabilitation: one with physical therapists trained to provide emotional support (REPS), and another without this training. Both groups receive the same exercises but watch different videos tailored to their group during rehab.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Psychological Support (REPS) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Study participants in Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support (REPS) will receive the standard rehabilitation treatment AND psychological support through a combination of PT training and patient training videos.

Group II: Standard Rehabilitation Active Control 1 Intervention

TRIA rehabilitation protocols for ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft or ACL reconstruction with meniscal repair will be used for prescribing exercise. Physical therapists may use adjunctive modalities such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, blood flow restriction, manual therapy, and cryotherapy at their discretion. Exercise videos prescribed to study participants will be housed in an individual online account per standard clinical procedure (MedBridge, Bellevue, WA).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

HealthPartners Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

196

Recruited

3,721,000+

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Collaborator

Trials

508

Recruited

1,090,000+