ClinicalTrials.gg
RecruitingNCT07833189Updated Sep 22, 2026

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

An interventional study of Motor Imagery Therapy (i.e., "mentally practicing movement") and conventional rehabilitation" in ACL Injury, sponsored by Peking University Third Hospital. Recruiting at 1 site in China. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 45 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-22.

Sponsored by Peking University Third Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Started Jun 2026; still recruiting 5 months later.

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Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
80
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 45 Years
Sex
All
01

Where this study stands

Counted across the records on this site · 2026-11-15

Among 33 studies in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries by Peking University Third Hospital — 11 open to participants now, 12 under way, none of them phase 3. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries · Peking University Third Hospital.

Planned enrollment
11th of 19
80 · median 84
Started
2026
with 3 others
No phase
19 of 33
7 open now
Primary completion
2027-08
later than 9 of 11 live
Registered
32nd of 33
by date

Among the 33 studies in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries by Peking University Third Hospital, this one is the 11th largest by planned enrollment of the 19 interventional ones that give a count, is one of 4 that started in 2026, is one of 19 with no phase, reaches primary completion later than 9 of the 11 other live ones, and was the 32nd registered.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

625 studies on the registry are indexed under Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; 192 are open to participants now.

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Open to participants now

11 of the 33 studies in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries by Peking University Third Hospital are open now, in 1 country. Recruiting first, the newest first:

5 more — sign in →

By country, each count listing its studies:

All 11 open studies →

Where they have run

Who these studies take

Of the 122 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries studies recruiting now, 27 (22%) set no upper age limit and 92 (75%) stop at 75 or younger; 46 take children under 18; 21 take healthy volunteers.

This study: 18 Years to 45 Years · all sexes · healthy volunteers too.

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02

Study summary

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.

Read the detailed description

Part 1 employs a cross-sectional design, comparing patients one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) (experimental group) with healthy adults (control group). This phase aims to acquire electroencephalography (EEG) and lower limb functional data across different states to elucidate the correlation between cortical function and motor behavior.

Part 2 will conduct a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT). ACL rupture patients will be allocated to either a motor imagery intervention group or a conventional rehabilitation control group. We will integrate EEG and kinematic analysis to systematically evaluate the therapy's effects on knee function, neuromuscular control, and brain network connectivity. Furthermore, by combining longitudinal EEG and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), we will investigate the underlying neuroplastic mechanisms driving functional remodeling within the sensorimotor networks. This research is expected to establish a novel, active intervention strategy based on the "central-driven peripheral" paradigm for ACL postoperative rehabilitation.

03

Conditions studied

  • ACL Injury

Keywords

  • ACLR
  • EEG
  • Motor Imagery
  • Rehabilitation
  • ACL
  • Neuromuscular Biomechanics
04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 45 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

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.
  • (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 .

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.
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(2)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

BMI (body mass index)

Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.

What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Participant)
Enrollment
80 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • No intervention
    healthy adults (control group)

    aims to acquire electroencephalography (EEG) and lower limb functional data across different states to elucidate the correlation between cortical function and motor behavior.

  • No intervention
    patients one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) (experimental group)

    aims to acquire electroencephalography (EEG) and lower limb functional data across different states to elucidate the correlation between cortical function and motor behavior.

  • Experimental
    Motor Imagery Therapy group

    Conventional rehabilitation augmented with motor imagery training.

    Behavioral: Motor Imagery Therapy (i.e., "mentally practicing movement")

  • Active comparator
    control group

    receiving standard rehabilitation as the control group.

    Behavioral: conventional rehabilitation"

Interventions

  • BehavioralMotor Imagery Therapy (i.e., "mentally practicing movement")

    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.

    Also known as: Motor Simulation, Video-Guided Motor Imagery

  • Behavioralconventional rehabilitation"

    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.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. EEG delta band (0.5-4 Hz) absolute power

    Raw EEG data were collected via Smarting Pro during functional assessments.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  2. EEG theta band (4-8 Hz) absolute power

    Raw EEG data were collected via Smarting Pro during functional assessments.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  3. EEG alpha band (8-13 Hz) absolute power

    Raw EEG data were collected via Smarting Pro during functional assessments.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  4. EEG beta band (13-30 Hz) absolute power

    Raw EEG data were collected via Smarting Pro during functional assessments.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  5. EEG gamma band (30-50 Hz) absolute power

    Raw EEG data were collected via Smarting Pro during functional assessments.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  6. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Spatiotemporal parameters-Gait Speed

    Gait speed recorded during walking using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: m/s

    Time frame: Part 1: cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2: longitudinal study evaluating patients at preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  7. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Spatiotemporal parameters-Step Length

    Step length recorded during walking using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: m

    Time frame: Part 1: cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2: longitudinal study evaluating patients at preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  8. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Spatiotemporal parameters-Cadence

    Cadence recorded during walking using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: steps/min

    Time frame: Part 1: cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2: longitudinal study evaluating patients at preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  9. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Peak Knee Flexion Angle

    Peak knee flexion angle during walking measured using Vicon 3D gait analysis. Unit of Measure: degrees

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  10. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Peak Knee Extension Angle

    Peak knee extension angle during walking measured using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: degrees

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  11. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Peak Knee Abduction Angle

    Peak knee abduction angle during walking measured using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: degrees

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  12. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Peak Knee Adduction Angle

    Peak knee adduction angle during walking measured using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: degrees

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  13. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Ground Reaction Force - Peak at Initial Contact

    Peak vertical ground reaction force at initial contact during walking measured using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: N/kg

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  14. Vicon 3D Gait Analysis-Peak Knee Flexion Moment

    Peak external knee flexion moment during walking measured using Vicon 3D gait analysis.Unit of Measure: Nm/kg

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  15. Electromyography (EMG) testing -Frequency-Domain

    Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were collected from the lower extremity muscles during the Vicon 3D gait analysis to extract frequency-domain features for muscle fatigue assessment.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively

  16. Electromyography (EMG) testing -Time-Domain

    Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were collected from the lower extremity muscles during the Vicon 3D gait analysis to extract time-domain features quantifying muscle activation levels.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively

  17. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) testing

    A subset of participants underwent task-based fMRI to identify cortical activation patterns during motor imagery.

    Time frame: Part 2 includes longitudinal neuroimaging assessments. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) will be performed at preoperative baseline,6 month , and 12 months postoperatively to investigate changes in sensorimotor network conne

Secondary outcomes

  1. Isokinetic muscle strength testing

    Isokinetic peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings was measured to evaluate muscle strength symmetry between the injured and uninjured limbs.

    Time frame: For Part 2, assessments will be conducted at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

  2. Mental chronometry

    Mental chronometry was assessed to compare the imagined duration of movement with the actual execution time.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  3. Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-20

    The KVIQ-20 assesses subjective kinesthetic (body sensations) and visual (mental pictures) imagery abilities related to leg movements. The questionnaire consists of 20 items divided into two dimensions: Kinesthetic and Visual. Each item is rated on a 6-point Likert scale from 0 to 5 based on the clarity and richness of the imagery experienced. The total score ranges from 0 to 100. A higher score indicates greater imagery ability, meaning the patient can more vividly see the movement and feel the muscle/joint activity in their mind.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  4. Tegner Activity Scale

    used to assess patients' level of physical activity and participation in sports. This scale ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating higher activity levels. A score of 0 represents disability due to knee problems (sick leave), while a score of 10 represents participation in competitive sports such as soccer or rugby at a national elite level. The scale captures both work and recreational activities, providing a comprehensive measure of functional activity beyond simple symptom relief.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  5. Visual Analogue Score, VAS

    The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess patients' pain intensity at rest or during activity. The scale is typically represented as a 10 cm horizontal line, with "No pain" at one end and "Worst imaginable pain" at the other. Patients mark a point on the line corresponding to their perceived pain level, and the distance from the start is measured as the score.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  6. International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC

    The IKDC Subjective Knee Form was used to evaluate symptoms (pain, stiffness, swelling, locking/giving way) and functional limitations related to sports and daily activities following ACL reconstruction, as well as current knee function relative to pre-injury status. A normalized total score is calculated from these domains. Scoring Interpretation Minimum Value: Approximately 0 points (representing severe symptoms or complete loss of function) Maximum Value: 100 points (representing no symptoms and fully normal function) Does a higher score mean a better outcome?: Yes. A higher score indicates fewer knee symptoms and better motor function and daily activity performance.

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

  7. Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11)

    Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11). The TSK-11 is an 11-item self-report questionnaire measuring fear of movement and re-injury, rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 4 = strongly agree). Total scores range from 11 to 44, with higher scores indicating greater kinesiophobia. Scores reflect the severity of fear; therefore, a higher score represents a worse outcome (indicating greater fear).

    Time frame: Part 1 involves a cross-sectional assessment at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Part 2 is a longitudinal study evaluating patients at four time points: preoperative baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.

07

Study locations

1 of 1 sites recruiting
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Started Jun 2026 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Aug 2027, 13 months after the start.

Of 278 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, half reached primary completion within 31 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 14 and three quarters within 70. This study's planned 13 months is below that.

Counting every sponsor, half of 287 studies reached it within 30 months; a quarter within 14 and three quarters within 70.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Jun 9, 2026
First posted
Sep 22, 2026
StartActual
Jun 15, 2026
Primary completionEst.
Aug 10, 2027
CompletionEst.
Aug 10, 2027
Last update
Sep 22, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Sep 22, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07833189
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Sep 22, 2026
Start date
Jun 15, 2026
Primary completion
Aug 10, 2027 (estimated)
Completion
Aug 10, 2027 (estimated)
Last update
Sep 22, 2026

Study contacts

XIAOYUAN HAN, GRADUATE STUDENT
Contact
15522650818@163.com
18522596808

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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