Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy in Stroke

Effect of Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy on Balance, Functional Status and Quality of Life in Stroke, 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 stroke. 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.

This clinical trial aims to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in stroke in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on motor recovery, activities of daily living, and quality of life.

Stroke is one of the most common neurological disorders that causes chronic disability in adulthood. Stroke-related neurological dysfunction causes impairment in motor and sensory skills and limitation in the ability to perform daily living activities, resulting in decreased independence of patients. This process causes significant impairment in the quality of life of stroke patients.

In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in stroke. 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.

This clinical trial aims to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in stroke in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on motor recovery, activities of daily living, and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who had a stroke in the last year
• Functional Ambulation Classification score 2-5

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have had repeated strokes
• Patients with neglect
• 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)
• Patients with peripheral artery disease