Article

Motor imagery (MI) ability should be evaluated in selected
individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who can benefit from MI training in
their rehabilitation program. Electrodermal activity seems to be a reliable
indicator for assessing MI ability. However, individuals with SCI have a variety
of autonomic dysfunctions. This study aimed to investigate
electrodermal responses (EDRs) elicited by MI. DESIGN: A cost-utility analysis of
EDR above and below the lesion level in individuals with complete or incomplete
SCI (n = 30) versus a control group of individuals who were healthy (n = 10) was
used. METHOD: The EDR was recorded above and below the lesion level during MI of
a drinking action. Duration, latency, and amplitude of EDR were the outcome
measures. RESULTS: Hand and foot EDR in the control group occurred with the same
pattern and similar latencies, suggesting a common efferent sympathetic pathway
to sweat glands of the hand and foot mediating a sympathetic skin response.
Individuals with SCI elicited responses above the lesion level. The EDR amplitude
was correlated to the lesion level and autonomic dysreflexia history. No foot
response was recorded in individuals with complete cervical and thoracic motor
lesions. Foot response with a lower amplitude and higher latency occurred in
participants with incomplete motor lesion, suggesting a link between the
descending motor pathway and sympathetic function. LIMITATIONS: The small sample
of individuals with incomplete SCI limits the generalization of the results
obtained at the foot site. CONCLUSIONS: Electrodermal response above the lesion
level may be a reliable index for assessing MI ability in individuals with SCI.
It is a noninvasive, user-friendly method for clinicians to consider before
enrolling individuals in MI training.

Langue : ANGLAIS