Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy in Parkinson's Disease

Effect of Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy on Balance, Functional Status and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease, Randomized Controlled Trial

In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in Parkinson's disease (PD). Visuomotor training strategies such as AO and MI therapy rely on the activity of the mirror neuron system to facilitate motor re-learning. Mirror neurons are activated during the performance of goal-directed actions, also when observing the same action and visualizing the action in the mind.

The aim of this clinical trial is to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in PD in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on Balance, Functional Status and Quality of Life.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a chronic and progressive course. Freezing phenomena, gait disorders, and balance problems are common in PD. Gait and balance disorders and motor freezing attacks that occur as a result of PD increase the risk of falling, leading to a decrease in functional independence and quality of life. The main goal of Parkinson's rehabilitation is to ensure the maximum functional status and independence in daily living activities and to increase their quality of life.

In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in PD. Visuomotor training strategies such as AO and MI therapy rely on the activity of the mirror neuron system to facilitate motor re-learning. Mirror neurons are activated during the performance of goal-directed actions, also when observing the same action and visualizing the action in the mind.

The aim of this clinical trial is to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in PD in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on Balance, Functional Status and Quality of Life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
• Hoehn and Yahr Stage 1-3

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with cognitive dysfunction (those who cannot follow simple verbal instructions)
• Patients with severe hearing problems
• Patients with severe vision problems
• Patients with additional musculoskeletal system pathology that will affect physical performance (such as amputation, severe joint mobility limitation, peripheral nerve damage)
• Patients with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes mellitus
• Patients with a history of symptomatic lung disease (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema)
• Patients with a history of symptomatic cardiac disease (such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, heart failure)