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

Author(s): Kolářová, Barbora; Richards, Jim; Haltmar, Hana; Lippertová, Klára; Connell, Louise; Chohan, Ambreen
Affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
Kinesiology Laboratory, Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Allied Health Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Burnley, United Kingdom
Source: Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, Jan2022; 29: 161-166.
Abstract: The use of motor imagery (MI) has been shown to offer significant improvements in movement performance in sports, and is now receiving a lot of attention as a relatively new therapeutic approach which can be applied in rehabilitation. However, the effects of MI on the quality of movement is still unclear. This study explored the immediate effect of MI on reaching tasks in healthy subjects. The results indicate that the use of MI just after physical practice appears to have an immediate effect on the muscle activity and kinematics during a reaching task, which may suggest an improved quality of movement. This proof of concept study shows the potential for MI to improve the quality of performing reaching task and offers a possible therapeutic option for Stroke survivors and other neuromuscular disorders.

• Request full text access from the library