EFFECTS OF MOTOR IMAGERY TRAINING AMONG PARKINSON’S PATIENTS ON GAIT, BALANCE AND MOBILITY DYSFUNCTIONS

Abstract

Gait disorders in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may be associated with alterations in the motor control system and aggravated by psych emotional and cognitive issues. Motor imagery (MI) has been shown to be one of these strategies, but there is still no clear evidence of its applicability in this population.

OBJECTIVE: This trial aimed to determine the effects of motor-imagery training on gait, balance and mobility dysfunction of individuals with PD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on sample of 40 individuals, aged between 45 and 75 years, in the mild and moderate phase of the Parkinson’s disease, with the ability to generate voluntary mental images. The experimental group performed motor imagery and gait exercises, while the control group was only engaged in gait exercises. Twelve training sessions were conducted, lasting up to 90 min each, three times a week, for 4 weeks.

RESULTS: The results regarding within-group analysis in the motor imagery group showed that there was a significant improvement in all of the outcomes, p value 0.000. The results regarding within control group analysis showed that there was significant improvement in all of outcomes, p value a 0.000.

CONCLUSION: Motor imagery training was significantly more effective than routine physical therapy alone in improving gait, balance, and mobility dysfunction in patients with Parkinson’s disease.