Publication Name	World Journal of Orthopedics
Manuscript ID	116521
Country	United States

Category	Sport Sciences
Manuscript Type	Systematic Reviews
Article Title	Effectiveness of motor imagery in postoperative outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Maryam Salimi, Asma Mafhoumi, Seyedarad Mosalamiaghili, Alireza Arvin, Alireza Keshtkar, Walter Lowe and Hamideh Akbari
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Maryam Salimi, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, McGovern Medical School, Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States. salimimaryam7496@gmail.com
Key Words	Anterior cruciate ligament; Motor imagery; Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; Postoperative rehabilitation; Psychological interventions; Return to sport
Core Tip	This article examined the impact of motor imagery (MI), a cognitive strategy involving the mental rehearsal of movement, on recovery following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Across 12 randomized controlled trials (526 patients), MI was associated with reductions in postoperative pain and kinesiophobia (fear of reinjury) and with improved psychological readiness to return to sport in several studies, although findings were not consistently statistically significant. Integrating MI into conventional rehabilitation may offer additional psychological benefits and, in some cases, functional improvements after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Larger, high-quality trials with standardized MI protocols are needed to clarify its clinical efficacy and optimal application in postoperative care.
Citation	Salimi M, Mafhoumi A, Mosalamiaghili S, Arvin A, Keshtkar A, Lowe W, Akbari H. Effectiveness of motor imagery in postoperative outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. World J Orthop 2026; In press

Received	2025-11-17 04:07
Peer-Review Started	2025-11-17 04:07
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-11-25 09:23
Return for Revision	2025-11-25 09:23
Revised	2026-01-04 07:11
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2026-02-24 02:42
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-02-24 09:02
Articles in Press	2026-02-24 09:02
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	2218-5836 (online)
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