Improvement of Gait Symmetry in Patients with Stroke by Motor Imagery
Anuchai Pheung-phrarattanatrai BSc*, Sunee Bovonsunthonchai PhD*, Vimonwan Heingkaew PhD*, Naraporn Prayoonwiwat MD**, Songkram Chotik-anuchit MD**
Affiliation : * Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand ** Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol Univesity, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To investigate effect of gait training with motor imagery (MI) on gait symmetry and self-efficacy of falling in stroke
patients.
Material and Method: Fourteen stroke patients were categorized in the MI (n = 7) and control (n = 7) groups. They were
matched by age range, stroke type, paretic side, time since stroke, and severity. All participants received physical therapy and
only the MI group received additional MI training. Both groups were trained for 12 sessions over 1 month. Outcome
measurements comprised gait symmetry detecting by the force distribution measurement platform and self-efficacy of falling
testing by the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Both groups were assessed three times: pre-, intermediate- and post-
trainings. Comparisons of all variables between and within groups were tested by Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman
ANOVA test, respectively.
Results : No significant difference was observed of gait symmetry between MI and control groups. Within group comparison,
tendencies of improvement were found in step length and step time symmetry for the MI group. Significant improvements in
step length symmetry and FES-I score were found among assessments for the MI group (p<0.05).
Conclusion : Gait training with MI enhanced ability of step length symmetry and decreased fear of falling in patients with
stroke.
Keywords : Motor imagery, Stroke, Gait symmetry, Physical Therapy, Self-efficacy of falling
