An eight-week single-blind randomised controlled trial on dual task balance training and motor imagery practice in ischaemic stroke survivors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find the effects of motor imagery on balance and mobility of stroke patients.This was a single-blind randomised controlled trial which included a total of 30 patients. These patients were assigned into two group: experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) by sealed envelope method. Functional Reach Test (FRT), Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ) were used as assessment tools. The overall mean age of the participants was 52.63 ±8.78 years. Between groups analysis showed non-statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in FRT but significant difference in TUGT, BBS, and MIQ-3 (p<0.009) after eight weeks of training. Within group analysis showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) for all outcome measures. This study concluded that motor imagery is an effective treatment strategy for improving balance and mobility in stroke patients and brings better results as compared to conventional treatments.

Keywords

• Stroke
• Motor imagery
• Dual task
• Balance
• Gait