EFFECT OF PHYSICAL TRAINING ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL PRACTICE: A randomized single-blinded study
Physiotherapy, Imagination, motor learning, Rehabilitation.
Introduction: Mental Practice (MP) allows the individual to perform tasks repeatedly without fatigue or any risk to safety. Studies show the efficacy of MP in stroke patients by improving motor skills and performance learning. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a PM program associated to physical task (PT), assessing the moment of insertion of the practice during therapy, and estimating motor and imaging functions. METHODS: This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial that evaluated the efficacy of mental practice conducted in patients diagnosed with chronic stroke. Patients were randomly assigned to the groups G1 (video + MP + PT), G2 (video + PT + MP) and G3 (video + PT). The modified Ashworth scale was the physical performance protocol of Fugl- Meyer, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Theory of Mind Inventory (ToM), Surface Electromyography (EMGs), and the Action Research Arm test (ARAT) and Box and Block test (BBT). Results: Only 35 met the eligibility criteria, 21 accepted to participate in the study and were enrolled for the study, but only 10 completed the study. Thus, a variance test was performed between the groups, showing no statistical significance. Comparing the moments of the same group, there was a statistically significant result in G1 in Fugl Meyer's variables: hand and total upper limb, motor FIM, upper limb affected in ARAT and in BBT. Conclusion: The Mental Practice associated with physical training is an effective protocol. Our results still indicate a possible indication that mental practice has to be performed before physical training.