Effect of Motor Imagery on Hand Function in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized byprogressiveimpairment of motor skills. Parkinson Disease patients often have poorer fine hand skills, reduced handgrip strength, deficits in prehension which deteriorates autonomy in activities of daily living. This studyassesses the effect of motor imagery on hand function in Parkinson disease.Objective: To assess the effect of Motor Imagery on Hand Function in Parkinson’s Disease patientsusing the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function TestMethod: Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease were randomised in two groups: Control and Experimental.Both groups were assessed using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test. The control group receivesconventional treatment consisting of flexibility and strength training whereas the experimental groupreceives Motor imagery combined with conventional treatment. Both groups were reassessed usingthe Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test after 3 weeks. The differences in the group were noted andstatistically analysed.Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in hand function post intervention. Although notstatistically significant, the difference in experimental group was larger than the control group.Conclusion: Motor imagery is a promising tool in neurorehabilitation. Motor imagery can haveadditional benefits when combined with conventional physical therapy to improve hand function inParkinson’s Disease