Motor Imagery during Action Observation of Locomotor Tasks Improves Rehabilitation Outcome in Older Adults after Total Hip Arthroplasty. (19th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marusic, Uros; Grosprêtre, Sidney; Paravlic, Armin; Kovač, Simon; Pišot, Rado; Taube, Wolfgang
• Other Names: Bassolino Michela Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Neural plasticity. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03-19
• Subjects: Neuroplasticity -- Periodicals; 612.82
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/5651391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5904

Abstract

Abstract : This study aimed at determining whether the combination of action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) of locomotor tasks could positively affect rehabilitation outcome after hip replacement surgery. Of initially 405 screened participants, 21 were randomly split into intervention group (N = 10 ; mean age = 64 y; AO + MI of locomotor tasks: 30 min/day in the hospital, then 3×/week in their homes for two months) and control group (N = 11, mean age = 63 y, active controls). The functional outcomes (Timed Up and Go, TUG; Four Step Square Test, FSST; and single- and dual-task gait and postural control) were measured before (PRE) and 2 months after surgery (POST). Significant interactions indicated better rehabilitation outcome for the intervention group as compared to the control group: at POST, the intervention group revealed faster TUG (p = 0.042 ), FSST (p = 0.004 ), and dual-task fast-paced gait speed (p = 0.022 ), reduced swing-time variability (p = 0.005 ), and enhanced cognitive performance during dual tasks while walking or balancing (p < 0.05 ). In contrast, no changes were observed for body sway parameters (p ≥ 0.229 ). These results demonstrate that AO + MI is efficient to improve motor-cognitive performance after hip surgery. Moreover, only parameters associated with locomotor activities improved whereas balance skills that were not part of the AO + MI intervention were not affected, demonstrating the specificity of training intervention. Overall, utilizing AO + MI during rehabilitation is advised, especially when physical practice is limited.