Motor Imagery Ability and Motor Imagery Perspective Among Professional Football Players

Background: Motor Imagery (MI) refers to the mental simulation of movement without physical execution and activates brain areas involved in motor control. Its use in sports rehabilitation is growing due to its potential to promote recovery, reduce fear of re-injury, and maintain neuromuscular engagement. However, the relationship between MI vividness and preferred imagery perspective remains underexplored in professional athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a structured MI intervention on imagery vividness-across internal visual (IVI), external visual (EVI), and kinesthetic (KVI) perspectives-during rehabilitation in professional football players. Methods: Fifty-eight professional football players (aged 18-35) recovering from lateral ankle sprains were randomly assigned to an MI group (guided imagery audio) or a Relaxation comparison group (relaxation instructions). Both followed a standardized 4-week physiotherapy program. MI vividness was assessed over six sessions using the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2 (VMIQ-2). Results: A mixed ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time, with both groups showing improved imagery vividness across sessions (reduced VMIQ-2 scores). No significant time × group interaction was observed, indicating similar improvement patterns. Among the three perspectives, IVI showed the most pronounced improvement. Conclusions: Repeated engagement with cognitive protocols, even without explicit MI instruction, appears to enhance imagery vividness during rehabilitation. The findings highlight the relevance of internal visual imagery for professional athletes recovering from injury and support the integration of MI-based techniques in physiotherapy programs.