Improvement of gait symmetry in patients with stroke by motor imagery

Abstract

Objective: To investigate effect of gait training with motor imagery (MI) on gait symmetry and self-efficacy of falling in stroke patients. Material and Method: Fourteen stroke patients were categorized in the MI (n = 7) and control (n = 7) groups. They were matched by age range, stroke type, paretic side, time since stroke, and severity. All participants received physical therapy and only the MI group received additional MI training. Both groups were trained for 12 sessions over 1 month. Outcome measurements comprised gait symmetry detecting by the force distribution measurement platform and self-efficacy of falling testing by the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Both groups were assessed three times: pre-, intermediate- and posttrainings. Comparisons of all variables between and within groups were tested by Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman ANOVA test, respectively. Results: No significant difference was observed of gait symmetry between MI and control groups. Within group comparison, tendencies of improvement were found in step length and step time symmetry for the MI group. Significant improvements in step length symmetry and FES-I score were found among assessments for the MI group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gait training with MI enhanced ability of step length symmetry and decreased fear of falling in patients with stroke.