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Mental Practice and Manipulative Skills Training Among People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Patricia Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza1, Cristina García-Bravo2, Elisabet Huertas-Hoyas3
1Patricia Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, PhD, OT, is Professor and Occupational Therapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
Mental practice (MP) and skills training did not improve motor skills in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, all participants reported increased satisfaction with daily activities, regardless of treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system demyelinating disease causing motor and cognitive impairments.
- Limb function deficits in MS significantly impact daily living activities (ADLs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if mental practice (MP) or MP combined with skills training improves gross and fine motor skills in MS patients.
- To assess the impact of these interventions on treatment satisfaction among individuals with MS.
Main Methods:
- A 3-month pilot study with a 3-month follow-up was conducted.
- Thirty-five MS patients (relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive subtypes) were allocated to MP, MP + skills training, or a control group.
- Outcomes were assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test, Box and Block Test, ABILHAND, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).
Main Results:
- No significant improvements were observed in self-perceived gross and fine motor skills for ADLs.
- Participants across all groups reported enhanced satisfaction with performance and engagement in activities.
Conclusions:
- Mental practice and skills training, alongside conventional rehabilitation, increase perceived ADL performance and satisfaction in MS patients.
- Self-reported measures like the COPM offer valuable insights into perceived occupational performance, which may differ from objective findings.
