Effects Of Motor Imagery Training Research Articles

Does Motor Imagery Training Improve Service Performance in Tennis Players? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Motor imagery training is a common mental strategy used by tennis players and coaches to improve learning and performance; however, the effect of motor imagery training on service performance in tennis players is questionable. This review aims to consolidate existing research regarding the effects of motor imagery training on the service performance of tennis players. A systematic search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus to identify articles published until December 2023. Eligible studies comprised controlled trials that investigated the impact of motor imagery on service performance outcomes in tennis players. The methodological quality of individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. GRADE was applied to assess the certainty of the evidence. Nine trials including 548 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that motor imagery training improved service accuracy and technique but did not affect service speed or return accuracy in tennis players. In conclusion, the certainty of the evidence that motor imagery training may be effective in improving service accuracy and technique in tennis players is low to very low. However, more experimental work is needed to obtain stronger conclusions.

Effects of motor imagery training on service performance in novice tennis players: the role of imagery ability

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine how imagery ability could affect service improvement, following pre-performance motor imagery (MI) intervention, in young novice tennis players. Participants were divided into 3 groups with regard to their MI ability scores (Poor imager, Good imager and Control groups) obtained on the Movement Imagery Questionnaire for Children. During a pre-test, participants performed 10 services. The pre-performance MI practice was included during physical practice for 24 sessions. Each session consisted of 20 services, which were first imagined and then physically performed. Participants of the Poor and Good imager groups were required to use external visual MI, while those of the control group were given a countdown task. Participants performed an intermediate-test, after a first block of 12 practice sessions, and a post-test one-week after the last block of practice session, which were identical to the pre-test. The results of this study showed that MI improved service performance (i.e., percentage of success, speed and efficiency), and that this improvement was faster in the Good imager than in the Poor imager group. More specifically, The Poor imager group required more MI interventions to achieve equivalent performance to Good imager group. The impact of MI practice on service performance, for novice tennis players, is discussed.

Relationship between Corticospinal Excitability While Gazing at the Mirror and Motor Imagery Ability

Mirror therapy (MT) helps stroke survivors recover motor function. Previous studies have reported that an individual's motor imagery ability is related to the areas of brain activity during motor imagery and the effectiveness of motor imagery training. However, the relationship between MT and motor imagery ability and between corticospinal tract excitability during mirror gazing, an important component of MT, and motor imagery ability is unclear. This study determined whether the motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude while gazing at the mirror relates to participants' motor imagery abilities. Twenty-four healthy right-handed adults (seven males) were recruited. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was performed while gazing at the mirror, and MEP of the first dorsal interosseous muscle of the right hand were measured. Motor imagery ability was measured using the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ), which assesses the vividness of motor imagery ability. Additionally, a mental chronometry (MC) task was used to assess time aspects. The results showed a significant moderate correlation between changes in MEP amplitude values while gazing at the mirror, as compared with resting conditions, and assessment scores of KVIQ. This study shows that corticospinal excitability because of mirror gazing may be related to the vividness of motor imagery ability.

Motor imagery as an intervention to improve activities of daily living post-stroke: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: Motor imagery (MI) may be an effective tool for improving activities of daily living (ADL) post-stroke. However, no review to date has examined ADL independence when investigating training effectiveness. This review aimed to evaluate the quality of evidence and the effectiveness of MI training for improving ADL independence post-stroke. Method: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies comparing MI to conventional therapies were reviewed. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria. The overall quality was considered moderate to good, with a PEDro score ranging from 3 to 8. Most studies (9 out of 13) were considered good quality, with one rating of poor quality and three of fair quality. The primary findings suggest that MI training is a low-risk tool that may facilitate ADL independence. Audio-based MI training seems to improve ADL independence when paired with other rehabilitation methods, but the results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to examine RCTs investigating MI effectiveness in improving ADL post-stroke. Results support the use of MI to facilitate ADL independence. However, more research is needed to establish practice guidelines for implementing MI training post-stroke.

Effects of motor imagery training on skeletal muscle contractile properties in sports science students.

Studies on motor imagery (MI) practice based on different designs and training protocols have reported changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength. However, to date, there is a lack of information on the effects of MI training on contractile properties of the trained muscle. Forty-five physically active sport science students (21 female) were investigated who trained three times per week over a 4-week period in one of three groups: An MI group conducted MI practice of maximal isometric contraction of the biceps brachii; a physical exercise (PE) group physically practiced maximal isometric contractions of the biceps brachii in a biceps curling machine; and a visual imagery (VI) group performed VI training of a landscape. A MVC test of the arm flexors was performed in a biceps curling machine before and after 4 weeks of training. The muscular properties of the biceps brachii were also tested with tensiomyography measurements (TMG). Results showed an interaction effect between time and group for MVC (p=0.027, η 2 = 0.17), with a higher MVC value in the PE group (Δ5.9%) compared to the VI group (Δ-1.3%) (p=0.013). MVC did not change significantly in the MI group (Δ2.1%). Analysis of muscle contractility via TMG did not show any interaction effects neither for maximal radial displacement (p=0.394, η 2 = 0.05), delay time (p=0.79, η 2 = 0.01) nor contraction velocity (p=0.71, η 2 = 0.02). In spite of MVC-related changes in the PE group due to the interventions, TMG measurements were not sensitive enough to detect concomitant neuronal changes related to contractile properties.

Effects of Motor Imagery Training for Lower Limb Dysfunction in Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The aim of the study is to determine the effects of motor imagery training associated with conventional rehabilitation therapies on lower limb motor function recovery in poststroke patients. Comprehensive literature searches were performed to identify studies published before June 5, 2022. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the modified Jadad scale. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations system. Twenty-three trials and/or 1109 participants with motor imagery training ability were included in this review. Motor imagery training combined with conventional rehabilitation therapies versus conventional rehabilitation therapies demonstrated significant benefits in motor function, balance function, temporospatial gait variables (walking speed, stride length, and cadence) and activities of daily living. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that motor imagery training-conventional rehabilitation therapies had a better effect on improvement in motor function and activities of daily living in the acute phase and had a greater benefit on walking speed in the chronic phase. In addition, motor imagery training-conventional rehabilitation therapies resulted in greater improvements in stride length, cadence, walking ability, and balance function in the subacute phase. Motor imagery training-conventional rehabilitation therapies have better effects on the recovery of lower limb motor function in poststroke patients than conventional rehabilitation therapies, which may be most beneficial for lower extremity motor function recovery in the first 7 days to 6 mos.

Motor Imagery Combined With Physical Training Improves Response Inhibition in the Stop Signal Task.

BackgroundMotor imagery training has a similar effect to that of physical training on motor performance. The objective of this study was to investigate the short-term effectiveness of motor imagery training on response inhibition using the stop signal task (SST).MethodsParticipants were divided into a physical training group (PT, n = 17), a motor imagery training group (MIT, n = 17), and a motor imagery combined with physical training group (MIPT, n = 17). All participants performed 10 SST training sessions over 5 days. Both stop signal reaction time (SSRT) and non-signal reaction time (NSRT) were measured before and after SST training.ResultsThere were significant interaction (time × group) and time effects, although the group effect was not statistically significant. Bonferroni post hoc analysis showed that MIPT group revealed a significantly greater change in SSRT than PT and MIT groups, while there was no significant difference between PT and MIT groups. SSRT significantly decreased after training in all groups. In NSRT, there was a significant effect of time, but there was no significant interaction effect (time × group) or group effect.ConclusionResponse inhibition could be enhanced via training, and it was most effective when motor imagery and physical training were combined. We demonstrate that motor imagery training significantly improves response inhibition and should be accompanied by physical training when performing SST.

Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Training to Improve Gait Abilities of Patients with Sub-Acute Stroke

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of motor imagery training to improve the lower extremity function and gait in subjects with sub-acute stroke. Methods: Forty four patients with subacute stroke with gait impairment were randomly assigned to one of two groups: motor imagery training group or muscle relaxation group. At the beginning and after six weeks of therapy, the ability to use motor imagery and lower limb performance were assessed. Results: There were substantial differences of scores between both groups, with the motor imagery group progressing more than the muscle relaxation group. Conclusion: Motor imagery may have a beneficial and effective task-specific effect on gait function in sub-acute stroke patients. Keywords: motor imagery; gait rehabilitation; sub-acute stroke patients

Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Training to Improve Gait Abilities of Patients with Sub-Acute Stroke

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of motor imagery training to improve the lower extremity function and gait in subjects with sub-acute stroke. Methods: Forty four patients with subacute stroke with gait impairment were randomly assigned to one of two groups: motor imagery training group or muscle relaxation group. At the beginning and after six weeks of therapy, the ability to use motor imagery and lower limb performance were assessed. Results: There were substantial differences of scores between both groups, with the motor imagery group progressing more than the muscle relaxation group. Conclusion: Motor imagery may have a beneficial and effective task-specific effect on gait function in sub-acute stroke patients. Keywords: motor imagery; gait rehabilitation; sub-acute stroke patients

The effect of motor imagery training on individuals with unilateral cerebral palsy on motor imagery ability, functional mobility and muscle activity

Aim This study aims to examine the effect of motor imagery (MI) training on MI abilities, functional mobility, and lower extremity muscle activity in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Method 34 UCP and 17 typically developing participants were included. UCP was randomised into 2 groups as UCP MI and UCP control. Participants typically developing were included for baseline comparisons. UCP MI group received 8 weeks of physiotherapy and MI training, the UCP control group 8 weeks of physiotherapy training. The MI abilities, functional mobility, and lower extremity muscle activation were assessed in all groups. Results It was found that MI training made a significant difference in favour of the UCP MI group in terms of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-For Children (MIQ-C), mental chronometry, functional mobility, and resting muscle activation (p < 0.05). There was no such significant change in the UCP control group. Conclusion This current approach in UCP is a feasible method, beneficial to include it in the rehabilitation process.

The Effect of Motor Imagery Training on Motor Proficiency of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Trial Study

The Effect of Motor Imagery Training on Motor Proficiency of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Trial Study

Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Training for Lower Extremity Motor Function in Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> Motor imagery training (MIT) is considered an emerging and non-invasive rehabilitation technique that patients could easily master to improve functional outcomes. To evaluate the effectiveness of MIT combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT) in treatment of lower extremity motor functions (LEMFs) in patients with stroke. <h3>Data Sources</h3> PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, Chinese Biomedical Literatures database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database were researched from the earliest records to December 1, 2020. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared MIT associated with CRT versus a control CRT in patients with lower extremity motor dysfunction after stroke, were selected. Among the 781 records screened, 15 trials, in which motor imagination questionnaires clearly performed, were included with 761 eligible patients. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Pooled outcome data were completed by two researchers independently. Primary evaluation index was the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale-Lower extremity (FMA-LE). The second evaluation indices were Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Meanwhile, the methodological quality of included studies was conducted via the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and the Cochrane risk of bias criteria tools. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Meta-analysis showed that there existed statistically significant improvements in FMA-LE (WMD=3.65, 95%CI=2.52, 4.78, P < 0.00001), FAC (WMD=0.80, 95% CI=0.22, 1.38, P=0.006) and BBS (WMD=6.15, 95% CI=2.98, 9.32, P=0.0001) in the MIT associated with CRT group versus the control group after an intervention of more than 3 weeks. <h3>Conclusions</h3> MIT associated with CRT had better effectiveness in LEMFs than CRT alone. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.

Effect of Motor Imagery Training on Motor Learning in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is an urgent need to systematically analyze the growing body of literature on the effect of motor imagery (MI) training in children and adolescents. Methods: Seven databases and clinicaltrials.gov were searched. Two reviewers independently screened references and full texts, and extracted data (studies’ methodology, MI elements, temporal parameters). Two studies were meta-analyzed providing the standard mean difference (SDM). Selected studies were evaluated with the risk of bias (RoB) and GRADE tools. Results: A total of 7238 references were retrieved. The sample size of the 22 included studies, published between 1995 and 2021, ranged from 18 to 136 participants, totaling 934 (nine to 18 years). Studies included healthy pupils, mentally retarded adolescents, children with motor coordination difficulties or with mild mental disabilities. The motor learning tasks focused on upper, lower and whole body movements. SMDs for the primary outcome of pooled studies varied between 0.83 to 1.87 (95% CI, I2, T2 varied 0.33–3.10; p = 0.001; 0–74%; 0–0.59). RoB varied between some concerns and high risk. GRADE rating was low. Conclusions: MI combined with physical practice (PP) might have a high potential for healthy and impaired children and adolescents. However, important reporting recommendations (PETTLEP, TIDieR, CONSORT) should be followed. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42021237361.

Ain't Just Imagination! Effects of Motor Imagery Training on Strength and Power Performance of Athletes during Detraining.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of motor imagery (MI) training on strength and power performances of professional athletes during a period of detraining caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Thirty male professional basketball players (age, 26.1 ± 6.2 yr) were randomly assigned to three counterbalanced groups: two MI training groups, who completed imagery training by mentally rehearsing upper and lower limb resistance training exercises loaded with either 85% of one repetition maximum (85%1RM) or optimum power loads (OPL), or a control group. For six consecutive weeks, although all groups completed two weekly sessions of high-intensity running, only the MI groups performed three additional MI sessions a week. Maximal strength and power output were measured through 1RM and OPL assessments in the back squat and bench press exercises with a linear positioning transducer. Vertical jump and throwing capabilities were assessed with the countermovement jump and the seated medicine ball throw tests, respectively. Kinesthetic and visual imagery questionnaires, and chronometry and rating of perceived effort scores were collected to evaluate MI vividness, MI ability, and perceived effort. Physical performances improved significantly following both MI protocols (range, ~2% to ~9%), but were reduced in the control group, compared with preintervention (P ≤ 0.016). Moreover, interactions (time-protocol) were identified between the two MI groups (P ≤ 0.001). Whereas the 85%1RM led to greater effects on maximal strength measures than the OPL, the latter induced superior responses on measures of lower limb power. These findings were mirrored by corresponding cognitive and psychophysiological responses. During periods of forced detraining, MI practice seems to be a viable tool to maintain and increase physical performance capacity among professional athletes.

Effects of motor imagery training on lower limb motor function of patients with chronic stroke: A pilot single-blind randomized controlled trial.

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of motor imagery training on lower limb motor function of stroke patients. Motor imagery training has played an important role in rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients. In this pilot randomized controlled trial 32 stroke patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups from January to June 2017. Patients in both groups received conventional neuro-rehabilitation five times a week in 3-h segments for 6 weeks. Patients in the experimental group underwent an additional 20 min of motor imagery training. Measures were evaluated by motor function of the lower extremity, activities of daily living and balance ability. The outcomes significantly improved by motor imagery training were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the lower extremity, the Functional Independence Measure dealing with transfers and locomotion, and the Berg Balance Scale. Motor imagery training could be used as a complement to physical rehabilitation of stroke patients. Our findings may be helpful to develop nursing strategies aimed at improving functional ability of stroke patients and thus enhancing their quality of life.

Effects of Motor Imagery Training on Balance and Gait in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of motor imagery training on balance and gait abilities in older adults and to investigate the possible application of the training as an effective intervention against fall prevention. Subjects (n = 34) aged 65 years and over who had experienced falls were randomly allocated to three groups: (1) motor imagery training group (MITG, n = 11), (2) task-oriented training group (TOTG, n = 11), and (3) control group (CG, n = 12). Each group performed an exercise three times a week for 6 weeks. The dependent variables included Path Length of center of pressure (COP)-based static balance, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) score, which assesses a person’s mobility based on changes in both static and dynamic balance, Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) score, which evaluates changes in fear of falls, and gait parameters (velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, and H-H base support) to evaluate gait. After the intervention, Path Length, BBS, TUG, velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length showed significant increases in MITG and TOTG compared to CG (p < 0.05). Post hoc test results showed a significantly greater increase in BBS, TUG, and FES in MITG compared with TOTG and CG (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that motor imagery training combined with functional training has positive effects on balance, gait, and fall efficacy for fall prevention in the elderly.

Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Training for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder Among Indian Children- A Pilot Study

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) experiences difficulty in performing coordinated movement task as there is a defect in the internal of movements. The of DCD has been examined in several studies which reveal several viable hypotheses including reduced processing speed, problems in executive functioning, poor cross-model integration and low perceptual-motor coupling. Researchers well documented that the predictive control of movements is impaired in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), it was examined that impaired control of movements was due to a deficit in the internal of movements. Motor imagery training has been used to test this internal deficit. Motor imagery training is useful for children with DCD as it focuses on internal of movements. The current study aims to examine the effectiveness of Motor imagery training focused on mental imagery task to enhance the movement coordination abilities of children with DCD. By random sampling, 20 children with DCD were randomly divided into two groups, Group A received MI training, and Group B received COOP- Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance. Both groups received intervention for nine sessions of 45 minutes. The results provided by the current study will help to describe treatment protocol for children with DCD with evidence. Both children and therapist will be benefited from the study.

노인의 균형과 보행 기능에 대한 운동상상훈련과 과제 지향훈련의 효과 : 사례군 연구

노인의 균형과 보행 기능에 대한 운동상상훈련과 과제 지향훈련의 효과 : 사례군 연구

Effect of Motor Imagery Training on Somatosensory Evoked Potentials and Upper Limb Function in Stroke Patients

Background: Motor imagery is the mental representation of an action without overt movement or muscle activation. However, few previous studies have demonstrated motor imagery training effects as an objective assessment tool in patients with early stroke. Objective: To investigate the effect of motor imagery training on Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP) and upper limb function of stroke patients. Design: A quasi-experimental study. Methods: Twenty-four patients with stroke were enrolled in this study. All subjects were assigned to the experimental or control group. All participants received traditional occupational therapy for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. The experimental group performed an additional task of motor imagery training (MIT) 20 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Both groups were assessed using the SSEP amplitude, Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity (FMA UE) and Wolf motor function test. Results: After the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvement in SSEP amplitude and FMA UE than did the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the MIT effectively improve the SSEP and upper limb function of stroke patients.

Effects of Motor Imagery Training and Balance Training on Static Balance: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Although studies on physical motor learning through motor imagery training have been conducted in various fields, studies on its effectiveness are still considered insufficient. Objective: To investigate the effect of motor imagery training and balance training on static balance of asymptomatic adults in their 20s. Design: A quasi-experimental study. Methods: Thirty-six adults in their 20s who passed the tandem stance test were randomized to the motor imagery training group (MIG, n=12), motor imagery with balance training group (MIBG, n=12), and balance training group (BG, n=12). Each group underwent their respective interventions three times a week for four weeks, and changes in static balance were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Results: Trace length was significantly lower in the MIBG than in the MIG and BG (P<.05), and a significant reduction in trace length in the MIBG was observed after the intervention as compared to the baseline (P<.05). Furthermore, a significantly lower velocity was observed in the MIBG than in the MIG and BG (P<.05), and a significant reduction of velocity in the MIBG was more observed after the intervention compared to the baseline (P<.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that motor imagery training enhance static balance in healthy college students.