Article

No scientific basis exists for the effect of motor imagery with eyes
open. OBJECTIVE: To investigate spinal neural function during motor imagery and
at rest with eyes open or closed by analyzing F-waves generated by the left
thenar muscles after left median nerve stimulation. METHODS: Sixteen healthy
volunteers performed motor imagery while achieving 50% maximal voluntary
contraction by isometrically contracting the opponens pollicis muscle. For
subjective comparisons after the test, patients were asked whether imaging was
easier with eyes open or closed and were then asked to imagine the contraction
while holding the sensor between thumb and index finger with eyes open or closed.
RESULTS: Persistence during motor imagery under both visual conditions tended to
increase compared with that at rest. F/M amplitude ratio was significantly higher
during motor imagery under both visual parameters than at rest. Most subjects
(14/16) found imaging easier with eyes open, but no relationship was found
between F-wave data and subjective evaluations to determine the easier condition
for motor imagery. CONCLUSION: Motor imagery with eyes open or closed increased
the excitability of spinal neural output to the thenar muscles. However,
subjective evaluation to determine the easier visual condition for motor imagery
revealed insignificant results.

Langue : ANGLAIS