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Effects of mental practice on stroke patients' upper extremity function and daily activity performance
JuHyung Park1, Nayun Lee2, Milim Cho3
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Kyongbuk College, Republic of Korea ; Department of Occupational Therapy, Kimcheon Science College, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science
|May 22, 2015
Summary
Mental practice significantly improved upper extremity function and daily living activities in stroke patients. This rehabilitation technique offers a promising, non-invasive approach to enhance recovery and independence after stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Physical Therapy
- Stroke Recovery
Background:
- Stroke frequently results in upper extremity motor deficits, impacting daily activities.
- Restoring function is a key goal in stroke rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of mental practice combined with conventional therapy for stroke patients.
- To evaluate improvements in upper extremity function and activities of daily living (ADL).
Main Methods:
- 29 stroke patients were randomized into an experimental (mental practice + conventional therapy) and a control group (conventional therapy only).
- The experimental group engaged in 10 minutes of daily mental practice for 2 weeks.
- Upper extremity function was measured using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Fugl-Myer Assessment (FMA); ADL performance was assessed with the Modified Bathel Index (MBI).
Main Results:
- The mental practice group demonstrated significant improvements in affected-side upper extremity function compared to the control group.
- Activities of daily living scores also showed significant enhancement in the mental practice group.
Conclusions:
- Mental practice is an effective intervention for improving upper extremity function and ADL performance in stroke survivors.
- Future research should include larger sample sizes and assess the long-term durability of these therapeutic effects.
