Mind over matter: mental rehearsal may help amputees walk again

NCT ID NCT07652619

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital

    Raanana, Israel