Does Mental Imagery Training Affect Cognitive Functions in Patients with Stroke?

Authors

The Department of Neuromuscular Disorders and its Surgery*, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and Neurology Department**, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

Abstract

Abstract Background: Stroke is one of the most common reasons of physical disability around the world, about 80% of individ-uals who have a stroke moving one side, or suffer from weakness on one side of their bodies. Mental imagery is a technique applied to stroke patients in a rehabilitation program to promote cognitive functions domains and in the relearning of every day task performance which has not been widely recognized. Aim of Study: To investigate the effect of mental imagery training on cognitive functions in patients with stroke. Subjects and Method: Thirty stroke patients from both sexes participated in this study, they were randomly assigned into two equal groups; the control group (B), received cognitive training (dual task training) only and the study group (A) received the dual task training in addition mental imagery training. The sessions were conducted three times per week, for four weeks, the duration of session was sixty minutes. Both groups were assessed before and after therapy by MOCA scale. Results: This study showed that there was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in MOCA scale scores. There was a significant increase in the MOCA of the group A (STUDY GROUP) in comparison with that of group B (CONTROL GROUP ) post treatment (p=0.02). Conclusion: Mental imagery training has a positive effect on improving cognitive function in patients with stroke.

Keywords