Sex differences in corticospinal excitability and quadriceps performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Anne Leung, Shailesh Kantak, Sommer Hammoud...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37938095Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 35Years
FEMALE
ID07128602
Determining the Effects of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Quadriceps Muscle Function After ACL Reconstruction
Led by Arcadia University · Updated on 2026-05-07
42
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
A
Arcadia University
Lead Sponsor
E
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying women aged 18 to 35 who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery to explore ways to improve thigh muscle strength and recovery. The study focuses on the link between weaker brain signals to thigh muscles and reduced muscle performance after ACL surgery, especially in females. The goal is to see if boosting these brain signals using a special type of non-invasive brain stimulation can enhance muscle recovery more effectively than standard rehab. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving 20 minutes of active anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and the other receiving a sham (placebo) version of the stimulation during thigh-strengthening exercises. Both groups will perform isolated quadriceps exercises on a device that measures muscle strength. The brain stimulation targets the motor cortex related to the surgical leg, aiming to increase neural drive to the muscles over six sessions. During the study, researchers will measure thigh muscle strength, speed of muscle force development, steadiness, and brain signal activity before and after the intervention using specialized equipment like electromyography and transcranial magnetic stimulation. These assessments help determine if stronger brain signals improve muscle function. The study spans several weeks, and participants' progress and safety will be closely monitored throughout.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Determining the Effects of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Quadriceps Muscle Function After ACL Reconstruction
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 35Years
FEMALE
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female participants aged 18 to 35 years
- 2 to 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery
You will not qualify if you...
- 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
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - Six sessions over several weeks
Participants receive six sessions of active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) while performing quadriceps exercises to improve muscle function after ACL reconstruction.
6 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Ryan Zarzycki
Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States, 19038
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
R
Ryan Zarzycki, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Published Research Related To This Trial
Determining the safety, feasibility, and effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on corticospinal excitability and quadriceps performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized crossover design.
Ryan Zarzycki, Anne Leung, Rebekah Abraham...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39981427