Graded motor imagery for foot and ankle osteoarthritis
Official title: Effectiveness of Graded Motor Imagery Training in Individuals With Foot/Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University · NCT07417436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try adding graded motor imagery to a structured exercise program to see if it reduces pain and improves function in adults with foot or ankle osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Antalya, Antalya and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07417436 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with a specialist-confirmed diagnosis of foot and/or ankle osteoarthritis who have had ankle pain most days for at least three months, speak Turkish, score ≥24 on the Mini‑Mental test, and can attend in-person visits are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior ankle fusion or joint replacement, recent ankle physical therapy or injections, significant vision/hearing problems, neuromuscular disease, or those starting new disease-specific drugs during the study are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with clinically or radiologically confirmed foot and/or ankle osteoarthritis will be randomly assigned to receive a structured exercise program alone or the same exercise program plus graded motor imagery training. The trial will enroll 24 participants at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Training and Research Hospital and use baseline and follow-up measurements to track change. Key inclusion criteria include age 18 or older, ankle pain most days for at least three months, sufficient Turkish language ability, and a Mini‑Mental State Exam score of at least 24; key exclusions include prior ankle arthrodesis or replacement, recent physical therapy or intra‑articular injections, neuromuscular disease, or sensory impairments that affect participation. Outcomes will focus on pain and functional measures collected during scheduled in-person visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding graded motor imagery to exercise could reduce pain and improve foot/ankle function without additional medications or surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Graded motor imagery has shown benefit in some chronic limb pain conditions and limited positive results in other musculoskeletal settings, but evidence specifically for foot or ankle osteoarthritis is sparse.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be 18 years of age or older, * Have a diagnosis of foot and/or ankle osteoarthritis confirmed by a specialist physician through clinical and/or radiological examination * Experience pain in the ankle joint most days for at least three months * Agree to participate in randomly assigned treatment and follow-up measurements * Have sufficient understanding of the Turkish language * Have a Standardized Mini Mental Test score of at least 24 points Exclusion Criteria: * Previous arthrodesis or joint replacement surgery on the affected ankle, * Having received physical therapy for ankle osteoarthritis within the last three months * Presence of vision or hearing problems that may affect compliance with treatment. * Presence of a neuromuscular disease * History of intra-articular ankle injections within the last 3 months * Initiation of a new disease-specific pharmacological treatment during the study period
Where it's running
-
Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Training and Research Hospital
Antalya, Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting -
Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Training and Research Hospital
Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Özlem Nur Tok Yaman, PhD
- Email: ozlem.tok@alanya.edu.tr
- Phone: +90-242-5106060
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.