Combined Compared to Sequential Cognitive and Physical Training in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Individuals

Dual-Task Training in an Immersive Environment Compared to Single Task Training in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Individuals

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate changes in cognitive and physical performance after 10 weeks of dual or single task training in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed individuals. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does cognitive performance in ACL reconstructed individuals change after multiple training sessions incorporating single versus dual-task?
• Does physical performance and intrinsic motivation for training change over the course of 10 weeks when performing single versus dual-task training sessions?
• What movement patterns do ACL reconstructed individuals show during a dual-task training in an immersive environment?

Researchers will compare a combined dual-task training (combined physical and cognitive training) to a single task training (physical and cognitive training separately) to see if there are changes on cognitive performance depending on the training type.

Participants will:

• Perform dual-task or single task training twice per week for 10 weeks
• Visit the clinic before and after the training period for tests
• Visit the movement laboratory once for analysis of movement patterns

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-40 years old
• At least 6 months after ACL injury
• Surgically reconstructed ACL
• At least 2 hours of sports participation before the injury
• Written consent of the attending surgeon to perform intensified training methods including one-legged jumps at 6 months after surgery after the first visit
• Ability to give informed consent as documented by signature
• Ability to understand instructions in German or English
• BMI < 28 kg/m^2
• Availability to take part in at least 70% of all training sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Surgery on the contralateral leg during the last 12 months
• Acute or chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary disorders
• Unadjusted vision problems
• Concussion during the last 6 months
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Amputation
• Inflammatory pain or swelling during exercising