Article

Motor imagery (MI) has been used as a complementary therapeutic tool for
motor recovery after central nervous system disease and peripheral injuries.
However, it has never been used as a preventive tool.
We investigated the use of
MI in the rehabilitation of stage II shoulder impingement syndrome. For the first
time, MI is used before surgery. METHOD: Sixteen participants were randomly
assigned to either a MI or control group. Shoulder functional assessment
(Constant score), range of motion and pain were measured before and after
intervention. RESULTS: Higher Constant score was observed in the MI than in the
control group (p=0.04). Participants in the MI group further displayed greater
movement amplitude (extension (p<0.001); flexion (p=0.025); lateral rotation
(p<0.001). Finally, the MI group showed greater pain decrease (p=0.01).
CONCLUSION: MI intervention seems to alleviate pain and enhance mobility, this is
probably due to changes in muscle control and consequently in joint amplitude. MI
might contribute to postpone or even protect from passing to stage III that may
require surgery. Implications for Rehabilitation Adding motor imagery training to
classical physical therapy in a stage II impingement syndrome: Helps in
alleviating pain Enhances shoulder mobility Motor imagery is a valuable technique
that can be used as a preventive tool before the stage III of the impingement syndrome.

Langue : ANGLAIS