Effects of Action Observation and Motor Imagery on Muscle Inhibition in Knee Osteoarthritis

Effect of Action Observation and Motor Imagery on Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition of the Quadriceps in Patients With End-stage Knee Gonarthrosis.

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Clinico Humanitas · NCT06000345

This study tests if watching movements and imagining doing exercises can help improve muscle function in people with severe knee osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Clinico Humanitas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rozzano)
Trial IDNCT06000345 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of a single session of Action Observation Training (AOT) and Motor Imagery (MI) on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) of the quadriceps in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Thirty patients are randomized into an experimental group, which undergoes AOT and MI focused on quadriceps contractions, and a control group that receives a sham intervention. The effectiveness of the interventions is assessed using the Twitch Interpolated Technique to measure AMI before and after the treatment. The study aims to determine if these techniques can improve muscle function in affected patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who are preparing for total knee arthroplasty and have active knee flexion greater than 45 degrees.

Not a fit: Patients who have had previous lower limb orthopedic surgery or have neurological, orthopedic, cardiovascular disorders, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance muscle function and rehabilitation outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of AOT and MI for this condition is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes in other musculoskeletal disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with end-stage knee ostheoarthritis undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty
* Active knee flexion \> 45°

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous lower limb orthopedic surgery
* Concomitant neurological, orthopedic, cardiovascular disorders
* Cognitive impairments or psychiatric disorders

Where this trial is running

Rozzano

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee OsteoarthritisArthrogenic Muscle Inhibitions
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.