Motor imagery therapy combined with balance training can improve performance in the activities of daily living after an initial stroke

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of motor imagery therapy combined with balance evaluation and training on balance and performance in the activities of daily living (ADL) after an initial stroke. Methods A total of 48 stroke patients were randomly divided into a control group (n=25) and an observation group (n=23). All of the patients in both groups were given routine rehabilitation and balance training. In addition, the patients of the observation group were given motor imagery therapy. Balance and ADL performance were assessed before the training and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the training began. The subjects′ balance was analyzed using the center of the gravity shift index, shift angle, total length of shift trace and envelope area using a balance evaluation system and the balance subscale of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM-B). Performance in the activities of daily living was assessed using the modified Barthel index (MBI). Results Before the training there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of any of the measurements. After 2 weeks and 4 weeks of training, all the measurements in both groups were significantly better than those before training, but the improvement of the observation group was significantly greater than that of the control group (except in terms of the MBI). Conclusion Motor imagery therapy combined with balance training can distinctly improve the balance and activities of daily living of stroke survivors. The combination is worthy of application in the clinic. Key words: Motor imagery therapy; Stroke; Balance; Activities of daily living