Evidence on mental task practice in post-stroke upper-limb rehabilitation: a systematic review

Introduction: Although many studies have already documented the benefits of mental task practice in neurological rehabilitation, the best intervention protocol is still to be defined. Aim: to analyze the effect of motor imagination in upper limb rehabilitation of individuals with hemiparesis after stroke, as well as analyze the effectiveness of the protocols used through a systematic review. Methodology: The electronic databases PubMed / Medline, Lilacs and Scielo were used for searching articles published from 2010 to 2014, on the effect of motor imagination in motor recovery of upper extremity function. Results: Five randomized controlled trials were selected for this study. The intervention protocols have great variability; most studies have suggested that mental task practice combined with conventional therapy improves the hemiparetic upper limb function. Conclusion: The mental practice is a promising technique for recovery after stroke; however there are still many gaps about the intervention protocol. There is no consensus about intervention time, intensity and frequency. As it is unclear what is the best way to help the mental task practice and in which phase of rehabilitation it is mosts effective.