Potential Applications of Motor Imagery for Improving Standing Posture Balance in Rehabilitation

Abstract

Improving standing posture balance is an essential role of rehabilitation to prevent falls in the elderly and stroke victims. Recently, motor imagery has been reported to be an effective method to improve standing posture balance. Motor imagery is a simulation of a movement in the brain without actual movement. Motor imagery is believed to have a common neural basis with actual movement and is effective in reconstructing motor functions. Recently, it has also been shown that motor imagery can be enhanced through use in combination with neuromodulation techniques. In this chapter, motor imagery contributing to the improvement of standing postural balance and its combination with neuromodulation techniques are reviewed.

Motor Imagery-based Neurofeedback in Physiotherapy Practice

“…In addition, motor imagery has been supported from a neurological aspect, as there are areas where brain activity similar to that of actual exercise is observed [31], and resting EEG is altered by motor imagery [32]. On the basis of these background characteristics, motor imagery has been used in sports training for athletes [33] and in rehabilitation for stroke patients [34,35]. However, one limitation of motor imagery is that the participant cannot understand the accuracy of the imagery because the actual movement does not occur [36].…”