Mental Imagery to Improve Quadriceps Strength Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Feasibility Study

Last updated: March 5, 2025
Sponsor: Marquette University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Mental Imagery Open Chain

Mental Imagery Closed Chain

Clinical Study ID

NCT06858293
HR-4875
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to understand if people recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery will complete mental imagery training and if this will improve their injured leg's strength. The main questions are:

  • Will people complete a five-day mental imagery exercise schedule while in physical therapy for ACLR?

  • Does mental imagery exercise help raise leg strength during ACLR recovery? Researchers will also compare if different mental imagery exercises involving leg extension or squats will change leg strength.

Participants will be asked to:

  • Participate in two testing sessions to make measurements of leg function

  • Complete about 10 minutes of mental imagery exercises once per day for five days at home and write down whether they complete the exercises.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery

  • cleared to participate in physical therapy

  • currently in physical therapy related to ACLR

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • greater than 9 months post ACLR surgery

  • history of lower back of hip pain that would limit lower limb motor testing

  • current neurological condition that limits muscle strength

  • history of substance abuse in the last 5 years

  • any uncontrolled medical condition

  • inability to follow 2-step commands

Study Design

Total Participants: 20
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Mental Imagery Open Chain
Phase:
Study Start date:
February 14, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
January 28, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • Marquette University

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.