Mental simulation practices in stroke rehabilitation reorganize brain connectivity: a systematic review

Stroke is a leading cause of disability, associated with impaired motor function and brain connectivity. Mental Simulation Practices (MSP), including Motor Imagery, Mirror Therapy and Action Observation Therapy, have been proposed as neurorehabilitation strategies capable of modulating neural networks. This review aimed to clarify the effects of MSP on brain connectivity using fMRI.

A PRISMA-based review was conducted and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251086743). PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2025 evaluating MSP-based rehabilitation versus conventional rehabilitation in stroke patients. Studies were included if they assessed fMRI-based connectivity changes before and after treatment. Meta-analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity in connectivity metrics and neuroimaging methodologies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, showing low risk or some concerns.

Of 467 identified records, 8 randomized controlled trials involving 249 stroke patients met inclusion criteria. Most studies investigated Motor Imagery-based interventions, while two evaluated Mirror Therapy. Across studies, MSPs were consistently associated with upper limb motor improvement compared with conventional rehabilitation alone, accompanied by significant reorganization of brain networks. Neuroimaging findings demonstrated enhanced connectivity within sensorimotor regions, including the primary motor cortex, postcentral gyrus and inferior parietal lobule, together with modulation of corticospinal and interhemispheric pathways. Several studies also reported normalization of maladaptive activation patterns, reduced excessive sensorimotor connectivity and stronger interactions between motor and cognitive networks, changes correlated with clinical motor recovery. Additional reorganization involved attentional, visual and cognitive systems, suggesting network-level neuroplastic adaptations.

Mental simulation practices may represent promising adjunctive interventions in standard stroke rehabilitation programs, given their potential role in modulating brain connectivity.