Motor imagery–enhanced rehab after ACL reconstruction

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The project has two parts. Part 1 compares EEG patterns and functional performance during tasks and motor imagery between people 12 months after ACL reconstruction and healthy controls to identify neural and behavioral differences. Part 2 is a 12-week randomized controlled trial where ACL rupture patients receive either motor imagery therapy or conventional rehabilitation, with EEG, kinematic, and imaging data collected to explore neuroplastic changes in sensorimotor networks. The aim is to see if the central-driven peripheral approach can enhance recovery and brain–body coordination after ACL surgery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Part 1: Participants

Study Design:

* This study will recruit 20 patients at 12 months after ACL reconstruction and 20 healthy controls.
* Age range: 18-45 years.

Inclusion Criteria for Patient Group:

* Age: 18-45 years old.
* Body Mass Index (BMI): ≥18.5 kg/m² and \<35 kg/m².
* Injury Type: First-time unilateral isolated ACL rupture, reconstructed at our hospital.
* Surgical Technique: Single-bundle hamstring tendon autograft transplantation.
* Ligament Stability: No injury or only mild injury (Grade I) to the PCL, MCL, or LCL.
* Postoperative Timeline: 12 months after ACL reconstruction.
* Consent: Voluntary participation with signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria for Patient Group:

* Delayed Surgery: ACL reconstruction performed \>6 months after injury.
* Combined Injuries: Severe injury (\>Grade I) to PCL, MCL, or LCL; severe meniscus tear.
* Previous Surgery: History of lower limb knee surgery (e.g., meniscus repair, arthroplasty).
* Comorbidities: Existing knee diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, fracture).
* Systemic/Cognitive Issues: Severe cardiac, pulmonary, cerebral disease, or hepatic/renal dysfunction; visual or cognitive impairment.
* Imagery Ability: Score \<55 on the KVIQ-20.

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls:

* Age: 18-45 years old.
* Body Mass Index (BMI): ≥18.5 kg/m² and \<35 kg/m².
* Medical History: No history of surgery, injury, or chronic lower limb joint disease.
* Neurological Status: No visual/cognitive impairment or neurological disorders.
* Gait: No trauma or disease causing gait abnormalities.
* Consent: Voluntary participation with signed informed consent.
* Imagery Ability: Score \<55 on the KVIQ-20. Study 2: Participants

Study Design:

* This study aims to recruit 40 patients meeting the specified criteria.
* Randomization: Participants will be randomly allocated into an experimental group (N=20) and a control group (N=20).

Inclusion Criteria for Patients:

* Age: 18-45 years old.
* Body Mass Index (BMI): ≥18.5 kg/m² and \<35 kg/m².
* Injury Type: First-time unilateral isolated ACL rupture, reconstructed at our hospital.
* Surgical Technique: Single-bundle hamstring tendon autograft transplantation.
* Ligament Stability: No injury or only mild injury (Grade I) to the PCL, MCL, or LCL.
* Consent: Voluntary participation with signed informed consent.
* Exclusion Criteria for Patients:
* Delayed Surgery: ACL reconstruction performed \>6 months after injury.
* Combined Injuries: Severe injury (\>Grade I) to PCL, MCL, or LCL (Grade II-III); severe meniscus tear.
* Previous Surgery: History of lower limb knee surgery (e.g., meniscus repair, ligament reconstruction, arthroplasty).
* Comorbidities: Existing knee diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, infection).
* Systemic/Cognitive Issues: Severe cardiac, pulmonary, cerebral disease, or hepatic/renal dysfunction; visual or cognitive impairment.
* Imagery Ability: Score \<55 on the KVIQ-20.

Where it's running

• Peking University Third Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Xiaoyuan Han, Graduate Student
• Email: 15522650818@163.com
• Phone: 18522596808

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.