The Effect of Mental Practice on Gait and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mental practice to improve on gait and quality of life in stroke patients. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: experimental(n=10) and control (n=10). Both groups received neural development treatment training for 6 sessions 1 hour per week during 6 weeks. Experimental group practiced additional mental practice for 3 session 10 minutes per week 6 weeks. Results were evaluated by spatial-temporal parameter, 10m walk test, and quality of life. There were significantly increased by mental practice in outcomes of the gait performance from the gait velocity, cadence, double support, single support, 10m walk test. There were significantly increased by mental practice in outcomes of stroke impact scale from the strength, social participants, and stroke recovery. In conclusion, the mental practice improves gait performance and quality of life in stroke patients. The results suggest that mental practice training is feasible and suitable to stroke patients.