Effect of Adding Motor Imagery to Task Specific Training on Facilitation of Sit to Stand in Hemiparetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Motor imagery training is a cognitive process in which an internal representation of a movement is activated in working memory. The movement is mentally rehearsed, without any physical activity. Task-specific training emphasizes the repetitive practice of skilled movement to enhance functional abilities in hemiparesis. Objectives: To investigate whether task specific training preceded by motor imagery or task specific training alone was more effective for facilitating sit to stand in patients with stroke. Methods: Thirty male patients with stroke were selected from the Cairo University Outpatient Clinic; the median age of participants was 54.5 ± 3.51 years and they were divided equally into two groups. Patients in study group A (n = 15) received motor imagery training for 15 minutes followed by task specific training for 45 minutes, as well as a selected physical therapy program 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The control group B (n = 15) received task specific training for 45 minutes, as well as a selected physical therapy program 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer section of the lower extremity (FMA-LE), Timed up and go test (TUG), and Biodex Balance system were assessed before and after treatment. Results: The results were highly significant for all variables including FMA-LE, TUG and Biodex Balance system in favor of the study group, post treatment. (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: Motor imagery training results in greater improvement in sit to stand ability when used in conjunction with task specific training, rather than task specific training alone.