The Effectiveness and Recommendation of Motor Imagery Techniques for Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
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Pastora Bernal, José Manuel; Estebanez-Pérez, María José; Lucena-Anton, David; García-López, Francisco José; Bort-Carballo, Antonio; Martín-Valero, RocíoEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Anterior cruciate ligament Motor imagery techniques Rehabilitation Physiotherapy
Date
2021-01-22Referencia bibliográfica
Pastora-Bernal, J.M.; Estebanez-Pérez, M.J.; Lucena-Anton, D.; García-López, F.J.; Bort-Carballo, A.; Martín-Valero, R. The Effectiveness and Recommendation of Motor Imagery Techniques for Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 428. [https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10030428]
Abstract
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.