Motor imagery and the rehabilitation of movement disorders: an overview

Citation

Dijkerman HC, Ietswaart M & Johnston M (2010) Motor imagery and the rehabilitation of movement disorders: an overview. In: Guillot A & Collet C (eds.) The Neurophysiological foundations of mental and motor imagery. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 127-144. http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199546251.do

Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of how motor imagery can aid in the rehabilitation of patients. It focuses on the behavioural and kinematic effects of imagery following neurologic disorders. It explains how to select groups of patients that could benefit from a therapeutic approach using motor imagery and why motor imagery may be helpful during the different stages of the rehabilitation process. It details the process of integrating motor imagery into classical rehabilitation programmes, as well as data regarding the appropriate delivery and dosing of mental practice, in order to ascertain the efficiency of this technique during the rehabilitation process.

Keywords
motor imagery; rehabilitation; kinematic effects; mental practice