Yan T, Liang W, Chan CWH, Shen Y, Liu S, Li M. Effects of motor imagery training on gait performance in individuals after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-15. [PMID:
38638087 DOI:
10.1080/09638288.2024.2337091]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE
This review systematically explores and summarise the effects of motor imagery training (MIT) compared to conventional therapy on gait performance in individuals after stroke.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically searched in five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, OVID Nursing and CINAHL) from inception to 30 December 2022. Studies investigating MITs, targeted at individuals after stroke were eligible. Data were extracted related to study and intervention characteristics.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were included. Compared with 'routine methods of treatment or training', the meta-analyses showed that MIT was more effective in improving cadence immediately post intervention (SMD: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.85, p = 0.0001, I2 = 25%) and at 1- or 2-months post intervention (SMD: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.20, p = 0.0004, I2 = 46%). The results also showed that MIT improves the step length of the affected side and the unaffected side at 1- or 2-months post intervention. Separate meta-analyses were also conducted on different tests of walking endurance (assessed by the 6-Minute Walk Test) and functional mobility (assessed by the Timed-Up-and-Go test).
CONCLUSIONS
MIT effectively improved gait performance. The findings in individuals after stroke remain inconclusive due to significant heterogeneity in included studies.
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