Efficacy of Motor Imagery on Lower Extremity Functioning and Gait in Chronic Stroke Patients: Systematic review

Abstract

Background: Numerous stroke rehabilitation techniques have been developed in recent years. In order
to learn or improve a motor movement or ability, a subject will frequently enter a dynamic condition
known as mental practise (MP). Although MP(mental practise) induces brain activation patterns that
are comparable to those of movement, functional imaging has yet to prove the clinical efficacy of such
treatments in rehabilitation and functional recovery.
Methodology: Systematic review of all clinical studies about motor imagery in stroke rehabilitation that
were published between 2008 and 2022 in the major scientific databases. We chose three clinical trials
evaluating various motor imaging techniques in chronic hemiparesis patients.
Conclusion: When combined with traditional physical therapy, mental practice is helpful for the
functional rehabilitation of the lower limbs as well as for the restoration of everyday activities and
skills. More research is required to identify the ideal treatment protocol and patient profile due to
the variety of the studies in terms of the intervention protocol, particular imagery technique, practise
duration, patient characteristics, etc.