To Compare The Effect Of Mental Imagery Technique And Conventional Rehabilitation On Upper Limb Function In Patients With Stroke.

Abstract

Background: Paresis of the upper extremity after a stroke limits the overall function of patients. Mental imagery involves the active process through which individuals relive sensations, whether prompted by external stimuli or occurring spontaneously. The incorporation of mental imagery, based on the concept of neuroplasticity, presents itself as a hopeful complement to traditional physiotherapy.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of mental imagery training and conventional rehabilitation in patients with stroke.

Method: In the present study, 32 participants of age group 50 ± 10 years, medically diagnosed with stroke were included. Random sampling was done in two group, group A (n=16) and group B (n=16) giving mental imagery training and conventional rehabilitation respectively. Outcome measures used were FMA, ARAT, STREAM, FIM.

Results: In present study, mental imagery training was more effective than conventional rehabilitation statistically proved with unpaired t test of FMA (p=0.0455) and STREAM (p=0.0337). When comparison was done within the groups, all outcome measures showed significant values at pre and post intervention, FMA (p= <0.0001in A & B), ARAT (p=<0.0001 in A and 0.0006 in B), STREAM (p=<0.0001in A & B) And FIM (p=<0.0001in A & B).

Conclusion: Mental imagery training showed more effect than conventional rehabilitation in stroke patients. MI training was able to generalize what they had learned to the new situation better than the CR group and also showed enhancement in relearning potential of people.