Motor imagery during movement activates the brain more than movement alone after stroke: a
pilot study
Sammanfattning
OBJECTIVE: To examine the neural correlates of motor imagery performed in conjunction with
movement of the paretic arm after stroke.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional, cohort study.
SUBJECTS: Seven individuals in the chronic phase of stroke recovery (median (range): age: 58 years
(37-73); time post-stroke: 9 months (4-42); upper extremity Fugl-Meyer motor score: 48 (36-64)).
METHODS: Participants actively moved the paretic/right arm under two conditions while undergoing
functional magnetic resonance imaging. In the motor condition, pronation/supination movements
were made in response to a visual cue. In the motor + imagery condition, the same movements were
performed in response to a visual cue but the participants were instructed to imagine opening and
closing a doorknob during performance of the movement.
RESULTS: For the motor condition, the anticipated motor network was activated and included left
sensorimotor cortex and right cerebellum. For performance of the same movements during the motor
+ imagery condition, additional brain regions were significantly engaged including the left inferior
parietal lobule and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
CONCLUSIONS: The addition of motor imagery to movement may provide a practical, accessible way
to modulate activity in both the planning and execution components of the motor network after stroke.