Effects and mechanisms of differently cued and non-cued motor imagery in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

All interventions significantly improved walking. MVMI was superior in improving walking, fatigue and QoL. Results suggest that MI and SMS were mechanisms of action.

Spatial constraints and cognitive fatigue affect motor imagery of walking in people with multiple sclerosis

“…The few studies investigating MI in PwMS are mainly limited to considering upper limb actions 13 , 15 , 17 , showing also how cognitive and mood disorders affect MI 28 , 41 , 42 . Only recently the focus has been shifted to lower limb movements 43 – 45 . Interestingly, evidence indicates that MI has been shown to improve not only walking, but also balance, fatigue, mood and quality of life in MS 43 – 45 .…”

“…Only recently the focus has been shifted to lower limb movements 43 – 45 . Interestingly, evidence indicates that MI has been shown to improve not only walking, but also balance, fatigue, mood and quality of life in MS 43 – 45 . However, to date, it remains unclear whether PwMS show anisochrony between actual and mental locomotion as well and, if so, whether this temporal discrepancy is modulated by spatial constraints 5 , 13 , 15 , 17 and/or affected by cognitive fatigue.…”

Motor Imagery: A Resource in the Fatigue Rehabilitation for Return-to-Work in Multiple Sclerosis Patients—A Mini Systematic Review

“…After removing duplicates, 3,115 records were assessed for eligibility. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria and verifying the full-text articles for eligibility, a total of five articles (34)(35)(36)(37)(38) were included in the qualitative synthesis, including two feasibility pilot RCTs and 3 RCTs, as shown in the study flowchart (Figure 1). The mean methodological quality of the five included RCTs, according to the PEDro scale, was 6.8/10 (Table 2), indicating the good overall quality of the included studies.…”

“…Most of the included interventions consisted of home-based, rhythmic, cued MI training (using instrumental music, a metronome, or verbal cueing) (35)(36)(37)(38), in which the patients were instructed in the concept of MI and its rehabilitation applications and effects. The patients learned how attention and perception are fundamental components in the planning and controlling of movement before execution.…”

“…The PETTLEP model is based on neuroscientific findings, developed by Holmes and Collins, and includes a 7-point checklist of guidelines to follow when devising an imagery intervention (43). The durations and intensities of the rehabilitation interventions varied: in 4 studies (35)(36)(37)(38), the patients practiced MI for 17 min, 6 times each week for 4 weeks at home. In contrast, Kahraman et al (34) reported that patients engaged in twice-a-week, 20-30min sessions for 8 weeks.…”