Author(s):
Background: Research has shown that Motor Imagery (MI) can effectively improve symptoms related to neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease (PD). PD is a neurodegenerative, progressive condition with no known cause or cure. As PD progresses, individuals affected may have distinct PD symptoms that negatively impact motor performance, including tremors, stiffness, bradykinesia, gait, and balance issues. MI is a cognitive process in which an individual visualizes they are performing an action or movement without carrying out the physical activity. This systematic review aims to analyze the effectiveness of using MI as an intervention on motor performance in individuals with PD.
Methods: A search string of "parkinson’s disease” OR “parkinson disease” AND “motor imagery” with modifiers of peer review, 2016-2022, and the English language was run across four databases. This returned 277 results that were further screened with inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality of evidence measures, leaving four articles for analysis. To evaluate the risk of bias, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool was used. Articles were analyzed and coded by sample size, intervention, results, and the overall impact of MI on PD. This systematic review was registered through PROSPERO.
Results: MI was found to have positive outcomes in improving participants’ general motor functions.
Conclusion: Evidence supports using MI as an intervention to improve motor performance for individuals with PD and other neurodegenerative conditions. Further research would provide parameters on how to incorporate MI as an intervention.
