Effects of sit-to-stand imagery group training on balance performance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke: a randomized control trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of sit-to-stand (STS) imagery group training (IGT) on STS movement and balance performance for chronic hemiparetic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 30 people with chronic hemiparetic stroke (15 for STS-IGT group and 15 for control) were recruited in this study. The STS-IGT group participated in a videotape-based STS-IGT for 30 minutes a day, five days a week for six weeks, while the control group watched a documentary on television for the same period. The STS-IGT focused on a five-stage protocol. Specifically, external imagery was used during the four phases of the STS movement from the seat of the chair to standing up. All of the participants also participated in a regular rehabilitation program. STS movement and balance performance were assessed using three clinical measures. Results: After training, time to perform the 5-repetition STS test significantly increased in the STS-IGT group (change value, 4.0±2.0 sec) compared with the control group (change value, 0.9±0.7 sec) (p<0.05). There was a greater improvement in Berg balance scale scores in the STS-IGT group (change value, 0.2±4.1 points) compared with the control group (change value, 0.3±0.9 points) (p<0.05). There was a greater improvement in Timed Up and Go scores in the STS-IGT group (change value, 2.6±1.5 sec) compared with the control group (change value, 0.9±1.0 sec) (p<0.05). Conclusions: STS-IGT can be considered as a useful option for restoration of STS movement and balance performance for individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke who are unable to fully participate in physical activities.

The effect of motor imagery on quality of movement when performing reaching tasks in healthy subjects: A proof of concept

“…In addition, a significant increase in extension angular velocity after MI was seen, which has been previously suggested to be a measure of improved quality of movement (Richards et al 2003), although it should be noted the percentage increase was only 4%. However, this supports the concept of changes in motor performance as a consequence of mental training in healthy subjects (Gentili et al 2010;Gentili & Papaxanthis 2015;Luger et al 2019), and in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke for both simple reaching tasks without grasping and sit to stand tasks (Guttman et al 2012;Lee et al 2016).…”

Effects of virtual reality combined with balance training on upper limb function, balance, and activities of daily living in persons with acute stroke: a preliminary study

“…Intervention methods for balance improvement in stroke survivors include visual feedback [12], imagery training [13], robot-assisted gait training [14], muscle strength training [15], whole-body vibration training [16], electrical nerve stimulation [17], and virtual reality [18]. Virtual reality training is often used to rehabilitate stroke survivors who have limited physical activity or cannot complete leisure activities in a real environment due to limited environmental and physical disability.…”

Effects of foot pressure using the elastic band with rings during sit-to-stand in persons with stroke

“…Following a stroke, patients rise from a chair by bearing more weight on the non-paretic foot from phases 1 to 4, although they improve and perform symmetric STS through visual feedback [3], imagery group training [11], and by altering the foot positions [9]. Bohannon et al [12] reported that there is at least a 50% error difference between the perceived body weight born on the foot and the practical distribution in healthy people.…”