Mind over matter: mental rehearsal may help amputees walk again

NCT ID NCT07652619

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Ariel University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tested whether practicing motor imagery — mentally rehearsing walking movements — before or during early prosthetic training helps people who recently lost a leg below the knee. Ten participants were recruited to see if the approach was feasible, safe, and acceptable. The study focused on measuring recruitment, safety, and compliance, along with early signs of improvement in mobility and prosthesis acceptance.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Motor imagery (mental rehearsal of walking)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost mental training technique to help new amputees learn to use a prosthetic leg more quickly and confidently.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 10 participants, designed mainly to see if the approach is feasible. It is too early to know if motor imagery truly improves walking ability or embodiment.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTATION TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTATION - UNILATERAL TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTEE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital

Raanana, Israel

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