RT journal article
T1 The Effectiveness and Recommendation of Motor Imagery Techniques for Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
A1 Pastora Bernal, José Manuel
A1 Estebanez Pérez, María José
A1 Lucena Antón, David Manuel
A1 García López, Francisco José
A1 Bort-Carballo, Antonio
A1 Martín Valero, Rocío
A2 Enfermería y Fisioterapia
K1 anterior cruciate ligament
K1 motor imagery techniques
K1 rehabilitation
K1 physiotherapy
AB Motor imagery (MI) reported positive effects in some musculoskeletal rehabilitation processes. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of MI interventions after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A systematic review was conducted from November 2018 to December 2019 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The methodological quality, degree of recommendation, and levels of evidence were analyzed. A total of six studies were included. Selected studies showed unequal results (positive and negative) regarding pain, anxiety, fear of re-injury, function, and activities of daily living. Regarding the range of motion, anthropometric measurements, and quality of life, the results were not conclusive. Muscle activation, strength, knee laxity, time to remove external support, and neurobiological factors showed some favorable results. Nevertheless, the results were based on a limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and a moderate-weak degree of recommendation. In conclusion, our review showed a broader view of the current evidence, including a qualitative assessment to implement MI after ACL surgery. There was no clear evidence that MI added to physiotherapy was an effective intervention after ACL surgery, although some studies showed positive results in clinical outcomes. More adequately-powered long-term randomized controlled trials are necessary.
PB MDPI
SN 2077-0383
YR 2021
FD 2021-02
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/24585
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/24585
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 11-nov-2026