Background: Evidence suggests that motor imagery can improve hand function in people post-stroke. There are two imagery perspectives, first-person and third-person. However, the effect of these two types of imagery on promoting motor function in people with stroke is unclear.
Aims: This study aimed to develop and pilot-test a first- and a third-person motor imagery programs for people with stroke living in the community to help relearn daily hand tasks.
Methods: The first- and third-person motor imagery programs were developed based on existing literature. An expert panel of four occupational therapists were invited to comment on the programs to establish the programs’ content validity. A pilot test involving six participants with stroke (receiving the programs) and one occupational therapist (delivering the programs) was completed to assess the program feasibility including participant and therapist adherence to programs. Participants with stroke were assessed before and after the program on upper extremity and hand function, daily function and quality of life.
Results: Content validity was established through the expert panel review. The pilot test showed that the participants completed the programs and engaged in the first- and third-person imagery as planned. The treating therapist delivered the programs within the specified time frame. In both programs, participants showed better performance in upper extremity and hand function and daily function.
Conclusion: Both the first- and third-person imagery programs demonstrated to be feasible for people with stroke living in the community. This study provides information on updating participant recruitment, therapist training and choice of outcome measures for a future larger trial investigating the effectiveness of the two imagery programs for people with stroke.
Note. The full paper has been accepted for publication at the BMC Pilot and Feasibility Studies.