Neurophysiology of motor imagery in neurorehabilitation and BCI technologies

Abstract

Over the last few decades, motor imagery was in the focus of the researchers' attention as a prototypical example of "embodied cognition", and as a basis for neuro-rehabilitation and braincomputer interfaces. This review reveals the concept of motor imagery, the factors characterizing and influencing this process, its neural correlates, and the possibilities for using in neurorehabilitation and braincomputer interfaces. The article explains some discrepancies and variability in findings from previous studies, that will help to optimize a study design in accordance with the purpose of each study in the future.

Keywords

• motor imagery
• brain–computer interface
• neuro-rehabilitation