Exploiting the Potential of Mental Imagery in the Rehabilitation of Athletes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery: A Pilot Study

Sofien Kasmi; Wissal Boughattas; Hela Znazen; Mohammed A. Aljahni; Aissa Ibn Dhia; Najwa Moella

doi:10.12800/ccd.v21i68.2343

Authors

Sofien Kasmi
Wissal Boughattas Taif university https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6495-743X
Hela Znazen
Mohammed A. Aljahni
Aissa Ibn Dhia
Najwa Moella

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v21i68.2343

Keywords:

Anterior cruciate ligament, mental imagery, rehabilitation.

Abstract

This pilot study examined the potential benefits of integrating mental imagery (MI) techniques into rehabilitation for athletes recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Ten athletes (Mean age = 21.0 ± 4.5 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 5; MI plus physical therapy) or a control group (n = 5; physical therapy only) for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included the Y-Balance Test, isokinetic strength assessments at 90°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s, and the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ). Mixed-design ANOVA revealed significant Side-by-Group interactions for Y-Balance composite scores (p = .007), hamstring-to-quadriceps peak torque ratios across all three angular velocities (p ≤ .003), and time-to-peak-torque of both flexor and extensor muscle groups (p ≤ .006). For the KVIQ, significant Time-by-Group interactions emerged for the visual subscales (upper-limbs: p = .030; lower-limbs: p = .026), whereas the kinesthetic subscales did not reach statistical significance despite comparable effect sizes (p = .10). This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that integrating MI techniques into ACL rehabilitation may enhance dynamic balance, strength and time-to-peak-torque ratios, and visual imagery abilities, with similar (non-significant) trendsfor kinesthetic imagery. However, given the small sample size (n = 10), these findings should be interpreted cautiously and confirmed through larger randomized controlled trials before clinical recommendations are made.

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