Virtual Reality-Based Motor Imagery for Individuals With Low Imagery Ability: A Pilot Investigation of Isokinetic Strength and Electromyographic Activity

NCT07461688 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 24-10.2T/4
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Motor imagery is a cognitive technique in which individuals mentally rehearse a movement without physically performing it. However, individuals with low imagery ability may not fully benefit from traditional motor imagery training. Virtual reality (VR) may enhance imagery vividness by providing immersive visual feedback. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of immersive VR-based motor imagery, action observation combined with motor imagery, kinesthetic motor imagery alone, and a control condition on imagery ability, muscle strength, and muscle activation. Thirty-two healthy male participants will be assigned to one of four parallel groups based on imagery ability levels. All participants will complete a 4-week unilateral leg extension resistance training program (three sessions per week at 80% of one-repetition maximum). During each session, participants will perform their assigned imagery protocol. Primary outcomes include changes in imagery ability assessed by the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3. Secondary outcomes include isokinetic quadriceps peak torque, average power, and surface electromyography activity of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis muscles. The findings of this study may provide insight into whether immersive VR can enhance the effectiveness of motor imagery training in individuals with low imagery ability.

Conditions

Motor Imagery Training; Resistance Training; Virtual Reality

Keywords

Motor Imagery; Virtual Reality; Isokinetic strength; Surface Electromyography; Resistance Training; Imagery Ability

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Imagery Ability (MIQ-3 Total Score)

  Imagery ability will be assessed using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3 (MIQ-3). The total score change from baseline to post-intervention will be analyzed.

  Baseline to 4 Weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Isokinetic Quadriceps Strength (60°/s, 120°/s)

  Baseline to 4 Weeks

• Surface EMG Activity (%MVIC)

  Baseline to 4 Weeks

Study Arms (4)

Action Observation + Motor Imagery (AOMI)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants perform action observation combined with kinesthetic motor imagery prior to each resistance training session for 4 weeks.

Behavioral: Action Observation + Motor Imagery

Kinesthetic Motor Imagery

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants perform kinesthetic motor imagery alone prior to each resistance training session for 4 weeks.

Behavioral: Behavioral: Kinesthetic Motor Imagery

Control

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants perform relaxation imagery prior to each resistance training session for 4 weeks.

Behavioral: Relaxation Imagery (Control)

Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Motor Imagery

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants perform immersive first-person virtual reality-based motor imagery prior to each training session. The VR environment provides visual simulation of unilateral leg extension movements from a first-person perspective. The intervention is administered three times per week for 4 weeks before resistance training.

Behavioral: Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Motor Imagery

Interventions

Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Motor Imagery BEHAVIORAL

VR Motor Imagery - Intervention Description Participants perform immersive first-person virtual reality-based motor imagery prior to each training session. The intervention is administered three times per week for 4 weeks before resistance training.

Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Motor Imagery

Action Observation + Motor Imagery BEHAVIORAL

Participants observe a video demonstration of unilateral leg extension while simultaneously performing kinesthetic motor imagery of the movement prior to each resistance training session, three times per week for four weeks.

Action Observation + Motor Imagery (AOMI)

Behavioral: Kinesthetic Motor Imagery BEHAVIORAL

Participants perform kinesthetic motor imagery of unilateral leg extension without visual assistance prior to each resistance training session, three times per week for four weeks.

Kinesthetic Motor Imagery

Relaxation Imagery (Control) BEHAVIORAL

Participants perform relaxation-based imagery unrelated to strength training prior to each resistance training session, three times per week for four weeks.

Control

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Eligible participants must be biologically male and self-identify as male.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy male individuals aged 18-30 years No participation in a structured lower-limb resistance training program within the previous 6 months No prior experience with structured motor imagery training Provided written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of lower-limb musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past 6 months Neurological disorders affecting motor control Visual or vestibular impairments preventing safe use of virtual reality equipment Current use of medications affecting neuromuscular performance Any medical condition contraindicating resistance training

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ege University: lead
• The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Ege University

Izmir, Bornova, 35355, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant

Model Details: This is a 4-week, parallel-group interventional study including four arms: immersive virtual reality-based motor imagery, action observation combined with motor imagery, kinesthetic motor imagery alone, and a control condition. Participants are allocated to one group based on imagery ability levels and remain in the same group throughout the intervention period. No crossover between groups occurs.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 3, 2026
• First Posted: March 10, 2026
• Study Start: August 12, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 25, 2025
• Study Completion: January 20, 2026
• Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP
• Time Frame: Data will be available beginning 6 months following publication of the primary results and will remain available for 5 years.
• Access Criteria: Access to de-identified individual participant data will be granted to qualified researchers upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. Requests must include a brief research proposal outlining the intended use of the data. Data will be shared following approval by the study investigators and in accordance with institutional and ethical guidelines.

Locations

TU (1)