Effects of motor imagery training on gait performance in individuals after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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AbstractPurpose: This review systematically explores and summarise the effects of motor imagery training
(MIT) compared to conventional therapy on gait performance in individuals after stroke.
Materials and methods: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically searched in five
electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, OVID Nursing and CINAHL) from inception to 30
December 2022. Studies investigating MITs, targeted at individuals after stroke were eligible. Data were
extracted related to study and intervention characteristics.
Results: Sixteen studies were included. Compared with ‘routine methods of treatment or training’, the
meta-analyses showed that MIT was more effective in improving cadence immediately post intervention
(SMD: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.85, p = 0.0001, I2 = 25%) and at 1- or 2-months post intervention (SMD: 0.78,
95% CI: 0.35, 1.20, p = 0.0004, I2 = 46%). The results also showed that MIT improves the step length of
the affected side and the unaffected side at 1- or 2-months post intervention. Separate meta-analyses
were also conducted on different tests of walking endurance (assessed by the 6-Minute Walk Test) and
functional mobility (assessed by the Timed-Up-and-Go test).
Conclusions: MIT effectively improved gait performance. The findings in individuals after stroke remain
inconclusive due to significant heterogeneity in included studies.
(MIT) compared to conventional therapy on gait performance in individuals after stroke.
Materials and methods: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically searched in five
electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, OVID Nursing and CINAHL) from inception to 30
December 2022. Studies investigating MITs, targeted at individuals after stroke were eligible. Data were
extracted related to study and intervention characteristics.
Results: Sixteen studies were included. Compared with ‘routine methods of treatment or training’, the
meta-analyses showed that MIT was more effective in improving cadence immediately post intervention
(SMD: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.85, p = 0.0001, I2 = 25%) and at 1- or 2-months post intervention (SMD: 0.78,
95% CI: 0.35, 1.20, p = 0.0004, I2 = 46%). The results also showed that MIT improves the step length of
the affected side and the unaffected side at 1- or 2-months post intervention. Separate meta-analyses
were also conducted on different tests of walking endurance (assessed by the 6-Minute Walk Test) and
functional mobility (assessed by the Timed-Up-and-Go test).
Conclusions: MIT effectively improved gait performance. The findings in individuals after stroke remain
inconclusive due to significant heterogeneity in included studies.
Acceptance Date09/03/2024
All Author(s) ListYan T., Liang W., Chan C. W. H., Shen Y., Liu S., Li M.
Journal nameDisability and Rehabilitation
Year2024
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN0963-8288
eISSN1464-5165
LanguagesEnglish-United Kingdom
Keywordsstroke, motor imagery, mental practice, gait performance, gait parameters, meta-analysis
