Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the neural correlates of motor imagery performed in
conjunction with movement of the paretic arm after stroke. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional, cohort study. SUBJECTS: Seven individuals in the chronic phase
of stroke recovery (median (range): age: 58 years (37-73); time post-stroke: 9
months (4-42); upper extremity Fugl-Meyer motor score: 48 (36-64)). METHODS:
Participants actively moved the paretic/right arm under two conditions while
undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. In the motor condition,
pronation/supination movements were made in response to a visual cue. In the
motor + imagery condition, the same movements were performed in response to a
visual cue but the participants were instructed to imagine opening and closing a
doorknob during performance of the movement. RESULTS: For the motor condition,
the anticipated motor network was activated and included left sensorimotor cortex
and right cerebellum. For performance of the same movements during the motor +
imagery condition, additional brain regions were significantly engaged including
the left inferior parietal lobule and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
CONCLUSIONS: The addition of motor imagery to movement may provide a practical,
accessible way to modulate activity in both the planning and execution components
of the motor network after stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS