Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a motor imagery program integrated
into physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
A parallel-group, phase II,
assessor-blind randomized controlled trial comparing motor imagery embedded in
usual therapy with usual therapy only. SETTING: A neurologic rehabilitation
center (Oxford, United Kingdom). PARTICIPANTS: Inpatients and outpatients
diagnosed with stroke, brain injury, or multiple sclerosis, participating in a
rehabilitation program with sufficient language skills to undertake the
intervention were recruited (N=30) and assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks
(postintervention), and after 12 weeks (follow-up). INTERVENTIONS: A motor
imagery strategy was developed that could be integrated into usual therapy,
tailored to individual goals, and used for any activity. The control group
received standard care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Goal attainment scaling was used
as the primary outcome measure. Other measures included the Barthel activities of
daily living index and the Rivermead Mobility Index. RESULTS: Compliance with
advised treatment was poor in 85% of the therapists and in 72% of the patients.
Goal attainment scaling scores significantly improved at postintervention and
follow-up (F(2,27)=45.159; P<.001), but no significant difference was observed
between the groups over time (F(1,28)=.039; P=.845). CONCLUSIONS: Therapist and
patient compliance with performing the intervention was low, restricting the
conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the integrated motor imagery program.
Future studies will need to explore barriers and facilitators to uptake of this
intervention in clinical practice. Trial recruitment and retention were good. The
study demonstrated that imagery could be successfully integrated into usual
therapy and tailored for a wide range of functional activities.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS