Article

OBJECTIVES: To test the effects of a new motor imagery practice approach, in
which motor and motivational contents were integrated in order to improve gait in
subjects with chronic poststroke hemiparesis. DESIGN: A half-crossover study
composed of 2 phases. In phase 1, subjects were randomly assigned to receive
either the experimental or the control treatment. In phase 2,
the subjects who
had initially received the control treatment "crossed over" to receive the
experimental intervention. SETTING: The experimental and the control intervention
were delivered in the subjects' homes; assessments were performed in a hospital
laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling individuals (N=23) with chronic
poststroke hemiparesis whose gait was impaired. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental
intervention, called integrated motor imagery practice, consisted of imagery
scripts aimed at improving home and community walking as well as fall-related
self-efficacy. The control treatment consisted of executed exercises to improve
the function of the involved upper extremity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-home
walking, indoor and outdoor community ambulation, and fall-related self-efficacy.
These were assessed before and after the intervention as well as at a 2-week
follow-up. RESULTS: In-home walking was significantly improved after application
of the experimental intervention (P</=.003), but not after the control treatment
(P</=.68). Community ambulation did not improve. Fall-related self-efficacy was
slightly improved by the integrated motor imagery intervention; however, the
findings were not unequivocal. CONCLUSIONS: Home delivery of integrated motor
imagery practice was feasible and exerted a positive effect on walking in the
home. However, it was ineffective for improving gait in public domains. We
speculate that the addition of physical practice to imagery practice may be
essential for achieving that end.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS