Ab. No. 65 The Effect of Motor Imagery and Virtual Reality on Motor Functions in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease is a neuro-degenerative disorder, characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Motor imagery practice uses the imagery of a motor act to learn and Improve outcome. Virtual reality can provide patients with sensory stimulation, immersive environment, feedback during motor task, reflecting motor learning and neuroplasticity. The purpose is to investigate effectiveness of motor imagery and virtual reality on motor functions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: 10 articles were included with 287 participants. 9 were RCT and one was case study. A search of literature was conducted by using following keywords: Parkinson’s disease, Virtual reality, motor imagery. A search was undertaken via google scholar, PubMed and research gate. Out of 287 articles, 28 studies were reviewed. 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. UPDRS was the outcome measure used to assess motor functions. These articles were analyzed using PRISMA 2020 checklist and PEDro. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to check the bias. Three articles studied the combined effect of virtual reality and motor imagery, two motor imagery alone and five virtual realities alone. Result: Combining VR with MI showed statistically significant difference. Motor imagery alone showed significant difference in one article and no difference in the other. Articles about VR alone showed statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Virtual reality and motor imagery are effective rehabilitation tool for improving motor function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Implications: Virtual reality and motor imagery can be used in designing more effective and engaging rehabilitation program leading to improved outcomes and quality of life.