The effects of mental practice based on motor imagery for mobility recovery after subacute stroke: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and purposeMental practice of motor imagery has shown beneficial effects in stroke recovery. However, there are few clinical trials investigating it on the subacute phase. This study will investigate the effects of mental practice in the mobility of patients with subacute stroke. Materials and methodsRandomized controlled trial including persons with subacute stroke (<3 months). All participants will receive physical exercises and will be randomly allocated into an experimental group (Mental Practice) or into a control group (cognitive training) for 4 weeks(12 sessions). ResultsPrimary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after intervention and will be related to mobility, using Timed Up and Go test and 5 m walking speed test. Whereas secondary outcomes will be muscular strength, biomechanical strategies, mental health and quality of life. ConclusionThe beneficial effects that may be found in this trial can be greatly relevant in clinical practice, justifying this scientific question.