Immediate effects of graded motor imagery for chronic ankle instability
The Acute Effect of Graded Motor Imagery-Based Mental Preparation on Ankle Rehabilitation: A Pilot Clinical Study
This trial will test whether graded motor imagery produces quick improvements in pain, muscle strength, stiffness, function, and perceived stability for adults with chronic ankle instability compared with healthy people.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07376915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot interventional trial applies a graded motor imagery (GMI) protocol acutely to adults with chronic ankle instability and to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Key outcomes measured immediately and in the short term include pain level, muscle stiffness, muscle strength, functional performance, and subjective feelings of instability. Eligible participants are 18–40 years old with a CAIT score ≤24 and a history of an ankle sprain more than three months prior, excluding those with vestibular/neurological disorders, other lower-extremity injuries, or prior surgery. Between-group comparisons and within-subject changes will be analyzed to determine whether GMI produces rapid, measurable effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 with chronic ankle instability (CAIT ≤24) following an ankle sprain more than three months ago who have not had ankle rehabilitation and have no vestibular or neurological disorders, other lower-extremity injuries, or history of ankle surgery.
Not a fit: People with recent sprains (less than three months), prior ankle surgery, other lower-limb injuries, vestibular or neurological disorders, or those outside the 18–40 age range are unlikely to match eligibility and may not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, GMI could offer a quick, non-invasive way to reduce pain and improve strength and perceived ankle stability.
How similar studies have performed: Graded motor imagery has shown pain and motor-control benefits in conditions like complex regional pain syndrome and some chronic musculoskeletal pain, but its application to chronic ankle instability is novel and largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 40 years. * Diagnosed with chronic ankle instability (CAIT ≤ 24). * History of an acute ankle sprain occurring more than 3 months prior to enrollment. * Has not received ankle rehabilitation treatment. * Voluntarily participated in this study Exclusion Criteria: * Vestibular or neurological disorders * Other lower extremity injuries * History of surgery
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: SEDA ATEŞ, Bachelor degree
- Email: seda.ates@ogr.iuc.edu.tr
- Phone: 90+ 5388543087
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.