Article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether locomotor imagery
training leads to clinical improvements in gait after stroke. DESIGN: Pretest-posttest matched control design. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 24 people with
chronic hemiparetic stroke (13 for experimental and 11 for control) were
recruited in this study. INTERVENTIONS: The subjects in the experimental group
participated in videotape-based locomotor imagery training five days a week for
four weeks. They also conducted regular physical therapy. OUTCOME MEASURES:
Kinematic gait parameters were collected using a three-dimensional motion
analysis system. Functional gait performance was assessed using clinical
measures: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance Test,
Dynamic Gait Index and modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile. RESULTS:
After training, walking velocity increased 0.07 +/- 0.06 m/s in the experimental
group and 0.01 +/- 0.07 m/s in the control group. In the experimental group, the
affected and less affected limb stride lengths increased by 0.09 +/- 0.12 m and
0.10 +/- 0.07 m respectively, whereas in the control group they decreased by 0.00
+/- 0.04 m and increased by 0.02 +/- 0.06 m, respectively. Kinematic parameters
in the lower extremity joints during walking were more improved after the
training in the experimental group. Confidence in balance, postural control,
dynamic balance and performance time for different environmental walking
situations were also improved more in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Locomotor imagery training can be considered as a useful option for restoration
of ambulation for individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke who are unable to
participate in physical gait training.

Langue : ANGLAIS