Practical research-based guidance for motor imagery practice in neurorehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this appraisal is to offer guidance to clinicians on applying motor imagery in neurorehabilitation and provide guidance to support this process.

Method: We used evidence from a variety of fields as well as clinical experience with motor imagery to develop guidance for employing motor imagery during neurorehabilitation.

Results: Motor imagery is a relatively new intervention for neurorehabilitation supported by evidence from areas such as cognitive neuroscience and sports psychology. Motor imagery has become a very popular intervention modality for clinicians but there is insufficient information available on how to administer it in clinical practice and make deliberate decisions during its application.

Conclusions: We provide evidence-based guidance for employing motor imagery in neurorehabilitation and use the principles of motor learning as the framework for clinical application.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Motor imagery has become a very popular technique for clinicians in neurorehabilitation; however, research reports provide insufficient information for clinicians to employ motor imagery in the clinic.

• The principles of motor learning can be used as a useful framework for employing motor imagery in neurorehabilitation.

• We provide clear guidance to deliver individual-tailored motor imagery in neurorehabilitation based on evidence.

Keywords::

• Motor imagery
• mental practice
• neurorehabilitation
• guidance
• stroke

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the patients and the therapists at the Oxford Centre for Enablement for their support in developing this guidance.

Declaration of Interest: The authors would like to thank Joan Warren for her financial support.