Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - The effect of motor imagery on quality of movement when performing reaching tasks in healthy subjects
T2 - A proof of concept
AU - Kolářová, Barbora
AU - Richards, Jim
AU - Haltmar, Hana
AU - Lippertová, Klára
AU - Connell, Louise
AU - Chohan, Ambreen
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2022/1/31
Y1 - 2022/1/31
N2 - Introduction: The use of motor imagery (MI) has been shown to offer significant improvements in movement performance in sports, and is now receiving a lot of attention as a relatively new therapeutic approach which can be applied in rehabilitation. However, the effects of MI on the quality of movement is still unclear. This study explored the immediate effect of MI on reaching tasks in healthy subjects. Methods: 17 healthy individuals (33 ± 8.2 years) participated in the study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and inertial measurement units (IMU) were used to identify muscle activity and angular velocity in both upper limbs. Participants performed a reach task using their dominant and non-dominant arms at their most comfortable speed, they were then asked to imagine themselves performing the same reaching task, and finally they were asked to repeat the reaching task. Results: Significant decreases were seen in the muscle activity between pre and post MI for Biceps Brachii, Anterior Deltoid and Triceps Brachii. In addition, a significant increase was seen in extension angular velocity post MI. Discussion: The results indicate that the use of MI just after physical practice appears to have an immediate effect on the muscle activity and kinematics during a reaching task, which may suggest an improved quality of movement. Conclusion: This proof of concept study shows the potential for MI to improve the quality of performing reaching task and offers a possible therapeutic option for Stroke survivors and other neuromuscular disorders.
AB - Introduction: The use of motor imagery (MI) has been shown to offer significant improvements in movement performance in sports, and is now receiving a lot of attention as a relatively new therapeutic approach which can be applied in rehabilitation. However, the effects of MI on the quality of movement is still unclear. This study explored the immediate effect of MI on reaching tasks in healthy subjects. Methods: 17 healthy individuals (33 ± 8.2 years) participated in the study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and inertial measurement units (IMU) were used to identify muscle activity and angular velocity in both upper limbs. Participants performed a reach task using their dominant and non-dominant arms at their most comfortable speed, they were then asked to imagine themselves performing the same reaching task, and finally they were asked to repeat the reaching task. Results: Significant decreases were seen in the muscle activity between pre and post MI for Biceps Brachii, Anterior Deltoid and Triceps Brachii. In addition, a significant increase was seen in extension angular velocity post MI. Discussion: The results indicate that the use of MI just after physical practice appears to have an immediate effect on the muscle activity and kinematics during a reaching task, which may suggest an improved quality of movement. Conclusion: This proof of concept study shows the potential for MI to improve the quality of performing reaching task and offers a possible therapeutic option for Stroke survivors and other neuromuscular disorders.
KW - Angular velocity
KW - Motor imagery
KW - Reaching task
KW - Surface electromyography
U2 - 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.10.004
DO - 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.10.004
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 35248266
AN - SCOPUS:85122778199
VL - 29
SP - 161
EP - 166
JO - Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
JF - Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
SN - 1360-8592
ER -