Effect of Motor Imagery on Hand Function in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized byprogressive
impairment of motor skills. Parkinson Disease patients often have poorer fine hand skills, reduced hand
grip strength, deficits in prehension which deteriorates autonomy in activities of daily living. This study
assesses the effect of motor imagery on hand function in Parkinson disease.
Objective: To assess the effect of Motor Imagery on Hand Function in Parkinson’s Disease patients
using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test
Method: Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease were randomised in two groups: Control and Experimental.
Both groups were assessed using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test. The control group receives
conventional treatment consisting of flexibility and strength training whereas the experimental group
receives Motor imagery combined with conventional treatment. Both groups were reassessed using
the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test after 3 weeks. The differences in the group were noted and
statistically analysed.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in hand function post intervention. Although not
statistically significant, the difference in experimental group was larger than the control group.
Conclusion: Motor imagery is a promising tool in neurorehabilitation. Motor imagery can have
additional benefits when combined with conventional physical therapy to improve hand function in
Parkinson’s Disease