The Effect of Gait Imagery on the Muscular Activity of Lower Limbs and Lower Body Kinematics in Stroke Survivors

The Effect of Gait Imagery on the Muscular Activity of Lower Limbs and Lower Body Kinematics in Subacute Stroke Survivors

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of normal gait imagery and gait on a line imagery on lower limb muscle activity and lower body kinematics in stroke survivors.

Gait imagery is a cognitive process involving the mental simulation of a gait that is not actually performed. According to current studies, gait imagery has very similar neural activity to that observed in real gait. This activity can be observed not only at the central level, but also at the end effector - the muscle - using surface electromyography. Across studies, muscle activity and kinematics are evaluated in particular when imagining analytical movements of the upper or lower limbs, but complex and posturally more demanding movements (in our case, gait and its modification - gait on a line) are studied to a lesser extent. Independent walking and the ability to adapt it to the terrain is important in rehabilitation therapy for patients with limited mobility. These individuals include, among others, a stroke survivors. The aim of the study is therefore to evaluate the effect of normal gait imagery and gait on a line imagery on lower limb muscle activity and lower body kinematics in these individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subacute stage (1 week - 2 months after the onset of the attack) after primary attack of stroke
• Ischemic origin of stroke
• Good cognitive level to understand the study
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Clinically manifested hemiparetic gait with ability to perform independent walking for at least five minutes
• Mild motor deficit with ability to maintain standing without any support
• Ability to walk independently without any manual assistance of another person (≥ 3/5 points according to the Functional Ambulation Categories)
• Good level (≥ 4/7 points) of kinesthetic and visual MI according to the Czech version of the MIQ-RS questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

• Present impairments in communication and cognition
• An additional neurological, internal, psychological or psychiatric disorder or severe musculoskeletal disorder that may affect the ambulation
• Previous experience with MI
• Pain during the measurement