Healthy VolunteersNCT07155655
Influence of Motivation and Mental Practice on Lumbo-Pelvic Strength in Healthy Adults
A study testing Motor Imagery (MI), Action Observation (AO) and Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm) in people with Healthy Volunteers and Muscle Strength, run by Mateo Riera Marco at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the influence of motivation combined with motor imagery (MI) or action observation (AO) on lumbo-pelvic strength in asymptomatic adults. The purpose was to explore whether adding a motivational protocol to mental practice strategies could enhance strength outcomes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Volunteers, Muscle Strength
- What is being tested?
- Motor Imagery (MI), Action Observation (AO) and Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 18 Sep 2022to 3 Jun 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Asymptomatic male and female participants
- Aged between 18 and 65 years
- No musculoskeletal, systemic, neurological, cognitive, or psychological disorders affecting the lumbopelvic area
Who cannot join
- Students enrolled in bioscience-related degrees beyond their first year
- History of pathology or surgery involving the lower limb or lumbar spine
- Lumbopelvic or lower limb pain within the past three months
- Illiteracy
- Pregnant women or those who suspected pregnancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Influence of Motivation Combined With Motor Imagery or Action Observation on Lumbo-Pelvic Strength in Asymptomatic Subjects: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the influence of motivation combined with motor imagery (MI) or action observation (AO) on lumbo-pelvic strength in asymptomatic adults. The purpose was to explore whether adding a motivational protocol to mental practice strategies could enhance strength outcomes.
Forty healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: motor imagery (MI), action observation (AO), motor imagery with motivation (MIm), or action observation with motivation (AOm). Lumbo-pelvic strength was measured using a dynamometer, while imagery ability was evaluated with the revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ-R). Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention, with strength additionally measured pre-, intra-, and post-intervention.
The trial was conducted between September 2022 and June 2023 at Centro de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Madrid, Spain, during the investigator's student affiliation. This study is being registered retrospectively to meet ethical and publication requirements.
Read the detailed description
Mental practice strategies such as motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) are increasingly applied in both sports and rehabilitation contexts to enhance motor learning, strength, and functional outcomes. These techniques activate neural circuits that overlap with those involved in actual movement execution and have been shown to produce both neurophysiological and performance-related changes. Motivation, an important factor in motor performance, may further influence the effectiveness of MI and AO, but its specific contribution remains unclear.
This pilot randomized controlled trial was designed to provide preliminary evidence regarding the effect of motivation combined with MI or AO on lumbo-pelvic strength in asymptomatic adults. The trial included 40 participants randomly assigned to one of four groups: MI, AO, MI with motivation, and AO with motivation. Interventions were delivered online over four weeks, with strength and imagery ability assessed at multiple time points.
The study was conducted at Centro de Estudios Universitarios La Salle (Madrid, Spain) between September 2022 and June 2023. This record is submitted retrospectively to comply with ethical and publication requirements.
- Conditions
- Healthy Volunteers, Muscle Strength
- Being tested
- Motor Imagery (MI), Action Observation (AO), Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm), Action Observation with Motivation (AOm)
- Keywords
- Motor imagery; Action observation; Motivation; Lumbo-pelvic strength; Pilot trial.
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Motor Imagery (MI)Behavioural
Also called Mental imagery
Participants followed an audio-guided motor imagery protocol describing the lumbopelvic dynamometer movement. The audio was played three times per session, with pauses for visualization. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks, in a quiet and focused environment.
Action Observation (AO)Behavioural
Also called Observation training
Participants viewed three videos of the lumbopelvic dynamometer movement (two third-person, one first-person perspective). Each video was watched three times per session. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks, with participants instructed to remain silent and focused.
Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm)Behavioural
Participants followed the MI protocol, combined with a motivational strategy. Intrinsic motivation was provided through self-talk statements, and extrinsic motivation through an audio simulating a weightlifting competition. Each motivational audio was played three times per session. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks.
Action Observation with Motivation (AOm)Behavioural
Participants followed the AO protocol, combined with the same motivational strategy described for the MIm group (self-talk + extrinsic audio simulation). Each motivational audio was played three times per session. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Imagery (MI) | Experimental | Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to a motor imagery training protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Motor Imagery (MI) |
| Action Observation (AO) | Experimental | Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to an action observation training protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Action Observation (AO) |
| Motor Imagery With Motivation (MIm) | Experimental | Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to motor imagery training combined with a motivational protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm) |
| Action Observation With Motivation (AOm) | Experimental | Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to action observation training combined with a motivational protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Action Observation with Motivation (AOm) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Lumbo-pelvic strength
Maximal voluntary contraction of lumbo-pelvic muscles assessed using a dynamometer. Strength was recorded at three time points: baseline, mid-intervention (fourth teletraining session, Week 2), and post-intervention (Week 4, end of program).
Measured: Baseline (Day 1), Mid-intervention (Week 2), and Post-intervention (Week 4, end of program)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Fear of Movement
Assessed using the Spanish 11-item version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), which has demonstrated good reliability and validity. The scale distinguishes between two factors: Activity Avoidance and Harm. It shows strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.78) and test-retest reliability (0.81). Total scores range from 11 to 44, with higher scores indicating greater perceived kinesiophobia.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Physical activity
Measured using the Spanish validated version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF). This tool classifies individuals into low, moderate, and vigorous physical activity levels. The short IPAQ has shown moderate reliability (r = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.73-0.77).
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity
Assessed with a validated and reliable self-efficacy scale for physical activity (Cronbach's α > 0.9; β = 0.96). The scale includes three factors:
- Adherence to structured exercise (three or more sessions of at least 20 minutes per week; 23 items).
- Daily physical activity self-efficacy (13 items).
- Daily walking self-efficacy, including perceived barriers to walking 60, 90, or 120 minutes per day (3 items).
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Motor Imagery Ability - Visual and Kinaesthetic
Assessed using the revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ-R), an 8-item self-report inventory with two subscales (visual and kinaesthetic). Internal consistency is high (Cronbach's α > 0.84 for the full scale; 0.80 for visual; 0.84 for kinaesthetic). Each item involves whole-body, upper limb, or lower limb movements. The assessment includes four steps: (1) a posture is described and assumed, (2) a movement is described and performed, (3) the subject returns to the starting position and imagines performing the movement without moving, and (4) they rate how easily they could visualise or feel the imagined movement. Time to complete each imagined action is also recorded. A 7-point Likert scale is used, with "1" = very difficult to see/feel and "7" = very easy to see/feel.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Sep 2025
- Study start18 Sep 2022
- Primary completion25 May 2023
- Study completion3 Jun 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthy VolunteersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Mateo Riera Marco
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Mateo Riera Marco, MarcoMateoRiera
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07155655
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MMR2023PilotRCT
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 19 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 4 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Influence of Motivation Combined With Motor Imagery or Action Observation on Lumbo-Pelvic Strength in Asymptomatic Subjects: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07155655
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MMR2023PilotRCT
- Conditions
- Healthy Volunteers, Muscle Strength
- Keywords
- Motor imagery; Action observation; Motivation; Lumbo-pelvic strength; Pilot trial.
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Mateo Riera MarcoUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Sep 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 May 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 3 Jun 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the influence of motivation combined with motor imagery (MI) or action observation (AO) on lumbo-pelvic strength in asymptomatic adults. The purpose was to explore whether adding a motivational protocol to mental practice strategies could enhance strength outcomes.
Forty healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: motor imagery (MI), action observation (AO), motor imagery with motivation (MIm), or action observation with motivation (AOm). Lumbo-pelvic strength was measured using a dynamometer, while imagery ability was evaluated with the revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ-R). Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention, with strength additionally measured pre-, intra-, and post-intervention.
The trial was conducted between September 2022 and June 2023 at Centro de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Madrid, Spain, during the investigator's student affiliation. This study is being registered retrospectively to meet ethical and publication requirements.
Detailed description
Mental practice strategies such as motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) are increasingly applied in both sports and rehabilitation contexts to enhance motor learning, strength, and functional outcomes. These techniques activate neural circuits that overlap with those involved in actual movement execution and have been shown to produce both neurophysiological and performance-related changes. Motivation, an important factor in motor performance, may further influence the effectiveness of MI and AO, but its specific contribution remains unclear.
This pilot randomized controlled trial was designed to provide preliminary evidence regarding the effect of motivation combined with MI or AO on lumbo-pelvic strength in asymptomatic adults. The trial included 40 participants randomly assigned to one of four groups: MI, AO, MI with motivation, and AO with motivation. Interventions were delivered online over four weeks, with strength and imagery ability assessed at multiple time points.
The study was conducted at Centro de Estudios Universitarios La Salle (Madrid, Spain) between September 2022 and June 2023. This record is submitted retrospectively to comply with ethical and publication requirements.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Imagery (MI) | Experimental | Behavioral: Motor Imagery (MI)Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to a motor imagery training protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. |
| Action Observation (AO) | Experimental | Behavioral: Action Observation (AO)Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to an action observation training protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. |
| Motor Imagery With Motivation (MIm) | Experimental | Behavioral: Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm)Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to motor imagery training combined with a motivational protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. |
| Action Observation With Motivation (AOm) | Experimental | Behavioral: Action Observation with Motivation (AOm)Ten asymptomatic participants assigned to action observation training combined with a motivational protocol, performed twice weekly for four weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Asymptomatic male and female participants
- Aged between 18 and 65 years
- No musculoskeletal, systemic, neurological, cognitive, or psychological disorders affecting the lumbopelvic area
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Students enrolled in bioscience-related degrees beyond their first year
- History of pathology or surgery involving the lower limb or lumbar spine
- Lumbopelvic or lower limb pain within the past three months
- Illiteracy
- Pregnant women or those who suspected pregnancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Imagery (MI)Also: Mental imageryParticipants followed an audio-guided motor imagery protocol describing the lumbopelvic dynamometer movement. The audio was played three times per session, with pauses for visualization. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks, in a quiet and focused environment. | Behavioural | Motor Imagery (MI) |
| Action Observation (AO)Also: Observation trainingParticipants viewed three videos of the lumbopelvic dynamometer movement (two third-person, one first-person perspective). Each video was watched three times per session. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks, with participants instructed to remain silent and focused. | Behavioural | Action Observation (AO) |
| Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm)Participants followed the MI protocol, combined with a motivational strategy. Intrinsic motivation was provided through self-talk statements, and extrinsic motivation through an audio simulating a weightlifting competition. Each motivational audio was played three times per session. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks. | Behavioural | Motor Imagery With Motivation (MIm) |
| Action Observation with Motivation (AOm)Participants followed the AO protocol, combined with the same motivational strategy described for the MIm group (self-talk + extrinsic audio simulation). Each motivational audio was played three times per session. Training was delivered online via Microsoft Teams, twice weekly for four weeks. | Behavioural | Action Observation With Motivation (AOm) |
Primary outcome
Lumbo-pelvic strength
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Mid-intervention (Week 2), and Post-intervention (Week 4, end of program)
Maximal voluntary contraction of lumbo-pelvic muscles assessed using a dynamometer. Strength was recorded at three time points: baseline, mid-intervention (fourth teletraining session, Week 2), and post-intervention (Week 4, end of program).
4 secondary outcomes
Fear of Movement
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Physical activity
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Motor Imagery Ability - Visual and Kinaesthetic
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Sep 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Screening Protocol
Pain
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Motor Imagery (MI), Action Observation (AO) and Motor Imagery with Motivation (MIm) in people with Healthy Volunteers and Muscle Strength, run by Mateo Riera Marco at 1 site in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Lumbo-pelvic strength (time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Mid-intervention (Week 2), and Post-intervention (Week 4, end of program)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Sep 2025.