Article

The aim was to investigate whether motor
imagery (MI) could be successfully incorporated into conventional therapy among
individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve upper limb (UL)
function.Setting:The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit at the Henry
Gabrielle Hospital in Lyon, France.Methods:The participant was an individual with
a complete C6 SCI. MI content was focused on functional UL movements, to improve
hand transport to reach out and grasp with tenodesis. The participant was tested
before and after 15 MI training sessions (45 min each, three times a week during
5 consecutive weeks). MI ability and program compliance were used as indicators
of feasibility. The Minnesota and Box and Blocks tests, as well as movement time
and hand trajectory during targeted movements were the dependent variables,
evaluating motor performance before and after MI training.Results:The
participant's ability to generate MI was checked and compliance with the
rehabilitation program was confirmed. The time needed to complete the Minnesota
test decreased by 1 min 25 s. The Box and Blocks score was improved by three
units after MI program. Decreased movement time and enhanced hand trajectory
smoothness were still observed 3 months later, despite a slight decrease in
performance.Conclusions:This study supports the feasibility for introducing MI in
conventional therapy. Further studies should confirm the potential role of MI in
motor recovery with a larger sample.

Langue : ANGLAIS