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Motor Imagery-Enhanced Rehabilitation Modulates Cortical Plasticity and Functional Recovery After ACL Reconstruction

Sponsor: Peking University Third Hospital • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07833189

Registry updated: 2026-09-22

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Description

Part 1: Neural Correlates of Motor Imagery in ACLR Patients This cross-sectional study aims to systematically compare differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity between patients who have returned to sport one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy controls during functional tasks and associated motor imagery. We will collect EEG activity and behavioral performance data from both groups during task execution and imagination. The primary objective is to verify whether ACLR patients exhibit a specific deficit in motor imagery capability and to characterize the abnormal functional patterns within their central sensorimotor networks. By providing an objective, neurophysiological explanation for why patients struggle to return to sport, this study seeks to establish quantifiable baseline metrics for subsequent interventional research. Part 2: Effects and Cortical Plasticity Changes Following Motor Imagery-Enhanced Rehabilitation This randomized controlled trial (RCT) combines short-term intervention with long-term follow-up to systematically evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of motor imagery therapy in ACLR patients. The specific objectives are threefold: First, to verify the immediate effects of the intervention on enhancing neuroplasticity and restoring motor function. Second, to assess the long-term impact on definitive clinical outcomes-specifically return-to-sport rates and time to return-through a 12-month follow-up. Third, to perform a longitudinal analysis determining whether early improvements in neurophysiological indicators can predict subsequent gains in motor performance and successful return-to-sport outcomes.

Interventions

Motor Imagery Therapy (i.e., "mentally practicing movement") (Behavioral)
Part 2 will conduct a 12-week RCT. The experimental group will receive conventional rehabilitation augmented with motor imagery training. This training will be delivered via a hybrid model (in-person and online) and consist primarily of video-guided imagery sessions.
conventional rehabilitation" (Behavioral)
The control group received conventional rehabilitation only. During in-person sessions, they engaged in passive observation of static photographs, without any form of active mental simulation or motor rehearsal. During remote sessions, they watched the same videos as the experimental group but proceeded directly to physical practice without prior motor imagery.

Eligibility criteria

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.

Conditions

ACL Injury

Locations

Peking University Third Hospital — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China

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Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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