The GEMM Trial: Graded Exposure and Mindfulness Meditation for Patients Post- ACL Reconstruction
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Summary
To evaluate the effect of graded exposure and mindfulness meditation after ACLR, the investigators will determine the effect of graded exposure and mindfulness meditation to 1) decrease self-reported injury-related fear and reinjury anxiety, and 2) improve lower extremity reaction time when compared to a waitlist control group.
Description
Injury-related fear after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with secondary ACL injury and slower reaction time. Graded exposure (GE) and mindfulness meditation (MM) have reduced injury-related fear, but has not been explored together in patients post-ACLR. GE and MM delivered via the Headspace application is feasible for individuals post-ACLR. GEMM allows athletic trainers' to easily implement MM into their practice. The aim of this randomized single-blinded clinical trial is to determine the efficacy of 5-weeks of GEMM to decrease injury-related fear and reinjury…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 14–35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 14-35 years * Have self-reported levels of fear on the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 and the Photographic Series of Sports Activities for ACLR * Injured their knee playing or training for sports (recreational or organized) * Have a history of unilateral ACLR * 6 months to 10-years post-ACLR Exclusion Criteria: * History of secondary ACL injury * Do not exhibit elevated injury-related fear * Concomitant surgeries at the time of ACL reconstruction
Interventions
- BehavioralGraded Exposure and Mindfulness Meditation
Participants will complete graded exposure and will be encouraged to face fear-eliciting situations. Participants will also complete mindfulness meditation guided through the Headspace mobile application. Participants will complete the graded exposure one time per week and will complete the mindfulness meditation 4 times per week.
- BehavioralWaitlist Control
Participants will receive an email stating that they will receive access to 5-weeks of Headspace after 5-weeks. Participants will be also asked to not change their normal routines or download apps for relaxation, meditation, or sleep during 5-weeks. After completion of the outcome assessments at 5-weeks, participants in this group will receive access to 5-weeks of Headspace.
Location
- Woollen Gymnasium, 300 South RoadChapel Hill, North Carolina