German test of the controllability of motor imagery in older adults

After a person is instructed to imagine a certain movement, no possibility exists to control whether the person is doing what they are asked for. The purpose of this study was to validate the German Test of the Controllability of Motor Imagery ("Tests zur Kontrollierbarkeit von Bewegungsvorstellungen" TKBV). A total sample of 102 men [mean 55.6, standard deviation (SD) 25.1] and 93 women (mean 59.2, SD 24.0) ranging in age from 18-88 years completed the TKBV. Two conditions were performed: a recognition (REC) and a regeneration (REG) test. In both conditions the participants had to perform the six consecutive instructions. They were asked to imagine the posture of their own body. Subjects had to move only one body part (head, arms, legs, trunk) per instruction. On the regeneration test the participants had to actually produce the final position. On the recognition test, they were required to select the one picture among five pictures, which fit the imagery they have. Explorative factor analysis showed the proposed two-dimensional solution: (1) the ability to control their body scheme, and (2) the ability to transform a visual imagery. Cronbach's alpha of the two dimensions of the TKBV were 0.89 and 0.73, respectively. The scales correlate low with convergent measures assessing mental chronometry (Timed-Up-and-Go test, r(REG) = -aEuro parts per thousand 0.33, r(REC) = -aEuro parts per thousand 0.31), and the vividness of motor imagery (MIQ(vis), r(REG) = 0.14, r(REC) = 0.14; MIQ(kin), r(REG) = 0.11, r(REC) = 0.13). Criterion validity of the TKBV was established by statistically significant correlations between the subscales, the Corsi block tapping test (BTT, r(REG) = 0.45, r(REC) = 0.38) and with physical activity (r(REG) = 0.50, r(REC) = 0.36). The TKBV is a valid instrument to assess motor imagery. Thus, it is an important and helpful tool in the neurologic and orthopedic rehabilitation.