Effect of imagery perspective on occupational performance after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Motor Recovery
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Stroke significantly impairs motor function and daily activities.
• Mental practice (MP) is a potential adjunct therapy for motor rehabilitation.
• The role of imagery perspective in MP effectiveness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if internal versus external imagery perspective in mental practice influences motor performance outcomes after stroke.
• To evaluate the impact of different mental practice perspectives on upper-extremity function and self-perceived performance in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen subacute stroke participants were randomized into three groups: internal MP, external MP, or relaxation imagery.
• All participants received 6 weeks of occupational therapy.
• Motor function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA) and Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF), alongside the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

Main Results:

• Both internal and external mental practice groups demonstrated statistically similar improvements in FMA and JTTHF scores.
• All groups, including the control, showed significant improvements in self-perceived performance on the COPM.
• No significant difference was observed in motor gains between internal and external imagery perspectives.

Conclusions:

• Mental practice, when integrated with occupational therapy, enhances upper-extremity motor recovery in stroke patients.
• Imagery perspective does not appear to be a critical factor influencing motor outcomes in this preliminary study.
• Mental practice did not significantly improve self-perception of performance in this cohort.