Using mental imagery to enhance recovery after ACL surgery
The Effect of Motor Imagery as an Additional Tool During the Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if adding mental imagery training to regular rehab helps people recover better after ACL surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT05168033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of motor imagery training as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving classic rehabilitation or an experimental group that includes motor imagery training at three specific intervals during recovery. The training involves watching videos of rehabilitation exercises and mentally visualizing performing them, aimed at enhancing recovery outcomes. Participants will undergo a series of screenings to assess their progress throughout the rehabilitation process.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and are participating in rehabilitation at the sports physiotherapy department of Ghent University Hospital.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological, musculoskeletal, or cognitive disorders that could interfere with motor imagery training may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve recovery times and outcomes for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of motor imagery in rehabilitation is a growing area of interest, this specific approach in ACL recovery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction * Rehabilitation at the sports physiotherapy department of the Ghent University Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological disorders or diseases that could affect motor imagery training * Musculoskeletal or cognitive disorders that interfere with the normal function of the lower extremities
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- Ghent University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erik Witvrouw, Prof. dr. — Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University
- Study coordinator: Sander Denolf
- Email: sander.denolf@ugent.be
- Phone: +32498400463
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.