Comparative Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Training Versus Conventional Strength Training on Quadriceps Strength, Pain Levels, and Range of Motion in Patients Six Months Post-ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/7r78rm15Keywords:
Anterior cruciate ligament, Motor imagery training, Strength training, Rehabilitation, Quadriceps strength, Pain, Range of motionAbstract
Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a standard intervention for restoring knee stability following injury, yet postoperative rehabilitation remains crucial for regaining quadriceps strength, alleviating pain, and restoring joint range of motion (ROM). Conventional strength training (CST) is widely utilized but may be limited by physical fatigue, pain, and adherence challenges. Motor imagery training (MIT), involving cognitive rehearsal of motor actions, offers a neurologically grounded, non-physical alternative that has shown promise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Objective: To compare the effects of MIT versus CST on quadriceps strength, pain levels, and knee ROM in patients six months post-ACL reconstruction. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Central Orthopedic Institute, Karachi. Sixty participants aged 18–40 years, six months post-ACL reconstruction, were randomly allocated to 12 weeks of either MIT or CST. Quadriceps strength, pain (Visual Analog Scale), and knee ROM were measured pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analysis included paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Both MIT and CST groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements (p<0.001). Post-intervention quadriceps strength was significantly higher in the MIT group (73.1 ± 8.3 kg) than in the CST group (70.3 ± 7.5 kg; p=0.03). Pain and ROM improvements were comparable between groups (p>0.05). Adherence rates exceeded 98% in both groups with no adverse events. Conclusion: MIT is a clinically effective and safe alternative to CST for enhancing quadriceps strength, reducing pain, and improving ROM post-ACL reconstruction. It offers a viable neurocognitive strategy for individualized rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Rabbia Kamray, Hamza Shabbir, Qurat ul ain Mirza, Aqsa Butt, Talha Nouman, Maryam Fatima, Kashmala Khan, Hafiz Ali Bin Asim, Amir Ali (Author)
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