Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of motor imagery on the onset time of the leg muscle and ankle injury score of patients with functional ankle instability. Methods: The study included 16 patients with ankle instability after their ankle sprains. Motor imagery was performed 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The onset time of leg muscles was measured by using the surface EMG in one leg standing position on tibialis anterior, peroneous longus and medial, lateral gastrocnemius. The pre- and post-intervention was measured by using the ankle injury score. Data was analyzed by a paired t-test. Results: The onset time was reduced but there was no significant difference (p>0.05). The order of muscle recruitment was changed. Anke injury score increased significantly after motor imagery (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that motor imagery was effective by showing delayed onset time of peroneal muscle in patients with functional ankle instability. In future studies, various conditions and disorders should all be considered for the effective analysis of motor imagery.