Motor imagery during movement activates the brain more than movement alone after stroke: A pilot study
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the neural correlates of motor imagery performed in conjunction with movement of the paretic arm after stroke. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, cohort study. SUBJECTS: Seven individuals in the chronic phase of stroke recovery (median (range): age: 58 years (37-73); time post-stroke: 9 months (4-42); upper extremity Fugl-Meyer motor score: 48 (36-64)). METHODS: Participants actively moved the paretic/right arm under two conditions while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. In the motor condition, pronation/supination movements were made in response to a visual cue. In the motor + imagery condition, the same movements were performed in response to a visual cue but the participants were instructed to imagine opening and closing a doorknob during performance of the movement. RESULTS: For the motor condition, the anticipated motor network was activated and included left sensorimotor cortex and right cerebellum. For performance of the same movements during the motor + imagery condition, additional brain regions were significantly engaged including the left inferior parietal lobule and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of motor imagery to movement may provide a practical, accessible way to modulate activity in both the planning and execution components of the motor network after stroke.
Authors: L Dodakian, J Stewart, S Cramer
Institution: University of California, Irvine
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,887
OpenAlex ID: W2049528021