Relationship between the vividness of motor imagery and physical function in patients with subacute hemiplegic stroke: a cross-sectional preliminary study

ABSTRACT

Purpose

The study aimed to clarify whether the vividness of motor imagery is related to lower limb function and walking ability in patients with hemiplegic stroke.

Materials and Methods

The study was a cross-sectional preliminary study. The subjects were 15 patients with hemiplegic stroke. The vividness of motor imagery was assessed using the kinesthetic and visual imagery questionnaire. The kinesthetic imagery (KI) involves the sensation of one’s own movement, whereas the visual imagery (VI) involves the imagination of a third-person performing the self-movement. Their physical functions were assessed using the Brunnstrom recovery stage, stroke impairment assessment set, 10-m maximum walking speed test, and functional independence measure. KI and VI were compared using the t test. Correlation analysis was performed between KI or VI and various variables as well as between the motor imagery gap (difference between KI and VI) and various variables.

Results

KI was significantly lower than VI (p < .01). KI was correlated not only with lower limb function (r = 0.68) but also with walking speed (r = −0.64). The motor imagery gap was correlated with hip joint function (r = −0.53).

Conclusions

KI and motor imagery gap were associated with lower limb function and walking ability.

KEYWORDS:

• Motor imagery vividness
• kinesthetic imagery
• motor imagery gap
• stroke patients

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.