Recovery of hand function through mental practice: a study protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The study aims to assess the therapeutic benefits of motor imagery training in stroke patients with persistent motor weakness. There is evidence to suggest that mental rehearsal of movement can produce effects normally attributed to practising the actual movements. Imagining hand movements could stimulate the redistribution of brain activity, which accompanies recovery of hand function, thus resulting in a reduced motor deficit.

Methods/design

A multi-centre randomised controlled trial recruiting individuals between one and six months post-stroke (n = 135). Patients are assessed before and after a four-week evaluation period. In this trial, 45 patients daily mentally rehearse movements with their affected arm under close supervision. Their recovery is compared to

SUBMITTER: Ietswaart M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1635559 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature