Effects of a single session of motor imagery and action observation plus physical exercise on lumbo-pelvic sensorimotor function in healthy women: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of a single session motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) plus physical exercise (PE) on lumbo-pelvic sensorimotor function. Methods Thirty-six healthy women were randomized into three groups: MI (n=12), AO (n=12), or sham observation (SO) group (n=12). All the groups performed PE consisting of a combination of aerobic and strengthening exercises. The outcome measures included lumbo-pelvic motor control, pressure pain threshold (PPT) in lumbar and tibialis anterior region, and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength. A pre- and post-intervention evaluation was conducted. Results Regarding the lumbo-pelvic motor control, only the AO group showed significant within-group differences with a moderate effect size (mean difference (MD)=−3.55 mmHg (−6.6 to −0.5), p=0.023, d=−0.56). With respect to the PPT in the lumbar region, only the MI group showed significant within-group differences with a small effect size (MD=0.775 kg/cm2 (0.35–1.2), p=0.001, d=0.44). No statistically significant PFM strength gain was found (p>0.05). Finally, no between-group differences were found (p>0.05). Conclusions MI and AO training plus PE had a slight impact on lumbo-pelvic sensorimotor function such as motor control or local pain sensitivity when applied in a single session.