Effects of tDCS on Motor Cortex During ACL Recovery
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Motor Cortex During Recovery of ACL Patients
Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir
54 participants
Nov 28, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a prevalent injury, particularly among young and physically active individuals. The efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exercise-based rehabilitation on neuromuscular control in post-ACL reconstruction patients is evaluated, and these techniques are combined.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Diagnosis complete ACL tear through clinical evaluation and MRI imaging.
- Patients who have received surgical intervention.
- Aged between 16 and 40 years.
- Tegner activity level of 4 or higher.
Exclusion Criteria7
- Rupture, such as tendons, cartilage, bones, or ligaments.
- Absence of any pre-existing or current lower limb pathologies, such as open surgeries, knee arthroscopies, or femur/tibia fractures.
- Neuromuscular or metabolic diseases.
- Concussion within the past six months are not eligible.
- Cranial surgery or have intracranial metal clips are ineligible.
- Taking medications that affect neuronal activity.
- Neurological diseases or disorders are not eligible for participation.
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Interventions
A total of 16 sessions will be scheduled, distributed over 8 weeks (2 sessions/week). The continuous current intensity will be set at 2 mA, for 20 minutes. Two electrodes, anode (red) and cathode (black), will be used along with two sponge pads with conductive gel, all combined into a helmet for each patient. The electrodes will be placed according to the international 10-20 system in tDCS. The stimulated area will be the primary motor cortex (M1), so the anode will be placed at the C3 or C4 points and the cathode will be placed at the contralateral supraorbital area Fp1 or Fp2.
This protocol will consist of 72 sessions, distributed as 3 sessions per week over a period of 24 weeks. Strength will be the prioritized method of work and will be present in all phases. Additionally, periodic measurements will be included to ensure that the patient is making adequate progress and meets the necessary progression criteria to advance to the next phase
The device will be configured to produce an ascending ramp lasting 30 seconds, identical to the one used in the experimental group, followed by a descending ramp of another 30 seconds. Thus, the control group will experience a sensation of tingling on the scalp, similar to that felt by the experimental group. This stimulation will have a total duration of 1 minute, which will not be sufficient to induce changes in cortical excitability
Locations(1)
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NCT06818201