Article

We sought to determine whether mental practice is an effective
intervention to improve upper-limb recovery after stroke. METHOD: We conducted a
systematic review of the literature, searching electronic databases for the years
1985 to February 2009.
We selected studies according to specified criteria, rated
each study for level of evidence, and summarized study elements. RESULTS: Studies differed with respect to design, patient characteristics, intervention protocols,
and outcome measures. All studies used imagery of tasks involving movement of the
impaired limb. The length of the interventions and number of practice hours
varied. Results suggest that mental practice combined with physical practice
improves upper-limb recovery. CONCLUSION: When added to physical practice, mental
practice is an effective intervention. However, generalizations are difficult to
make. Further research is warranted to determine who will benefit from training,
the dosing needed, the most effective protocols, whether improvements are
retained, and whether mental practice affects perceived occupational performance.

Langue : ANGLAIS