Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disabling neurodegenerative disease whose manifestations span motor, sensorimotor, and sensory domains. While current therapies for PD include pharmacological, invasive, and physical interventions, there is a constant need for developing additional approaches for optimizing rehabilitation gains. Mental imagery is an emerging field in neurorehabilitation and has the potential to serve as an adjunct therapy to enhance patient function. Yet, the literature on this topic is sparse. The current paper reviews the motor, sensorimotor, and sensory domains impacted by PD using gait, balance, and pain as examples, respectively. Then, mental imagery and its potential for PD motor and non-motor rehabilitation is discussed, with an emphasis on its suitability for addressing gait, balance, and pain deficits in people with PD. Lastly, future research directions are suggested.
Highlights
Whether called daydreaming, imagining, or fantasizing, creating and using mental images—known as mental imagery—is ubiquitous in many people’s day-to-day activities [1]
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of mental imagery as one rehabilitative approach and detail its unique qualities that potentially allow it to explicitly and address Parkinson’s disease (PD) manifestations that span from motor to sensorimotor to sensory
Given that low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent and is negatively associated with self-reported physical activity [63] and quality of life in PD [61,63], we suggest LBP in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) may be appropriately targeted with mental imagery, especially when combined with movement-based therapy
Summary
Whether called daydreaming, imagining, or fantasizing, creating and using mental images—known as mental imagery—is ubiquitous in many people’s day-to-day activities [1]. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of mental imagery as one rehabilitative approach and detail its unique qualities that potentially allow it to explicitly and address PD manifestations that span from motor to sensorimotor to sensory. Given their high prevalence and clear impact on function and quality of life, we highlight gait, balance and pain, arguing that each of these may be effectively addressed using mental imagery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
