Immediate effects of graded motor imagery for chronic ankle instability
Official title: The Acute Effect of Graded Motor Imagery-Based Mental Preparation on Ankle Rehabilitation: A Pilot Clinical Study
Run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07376915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 9, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 9, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07376915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.