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

Mental Imagery of Open and Closed Chain Exercises to Improve Quadriceps Strength Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Feasibility Study

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery
* cleared to participate in physical therapy
* currently in physical therapy related to ACLR

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

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• Mental Imagery Open Chain (behavioral)
• Mental Imagery Closed Chain (behavioral)

Sponsor: Marquette University · Participants: 20 · Started: Feb 14, 2025

Contact the study team

• Allison S Hyngstrom, PT, Ph.D. · Phone: 4142884566

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06858293

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.