Effect of Motor Imagery on Motor Function in Hemiplegic Patients after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effect of motor imagery on motor recovery in hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods From May, 2015 to October, 2016, 40 hemiplegic patients after stroke were randomly divided into control group (accepted routine rehabilitation, n=20) and motor imagery group (accepted motor imagery and routine rehabilitation, n=20). They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assess-ment (FMA), modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and six weeks after treatment. Fractional anisotropy (FA) of the focus was measured with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results The scores of FMA and MBI improved in both groups after treatment (t>5.088, P2.124, P3.892, P0.05). FA increased in more patients of the motor imagery group (5/5) than in the control group (2/4). Conclusion Motor imag-ery can promote the recovery of motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients, and may help the recovery of fibers in white matter.