title: Locomotor imagery training improves gait performance in people with chronic hemiparetic stroke: a controlled clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether locomotor imagery training leads to clinical improvements in gait after stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pretest-posttest matched control design.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 24 people with chronic hemiparetic stroke (13 for experimental and 11 for control) were recruited in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects in the experimental group participated in videotape-based locomotor imagery training five days a week for four weeks. They also conducted regular physical therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Kinematic gait parameters were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Functional gait performance was assessed using clinical measures: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index and modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After training, walking velocity increased 0.07 +/- 0.06 m/s in the experimental group and 0.01 +/- 0.07 m/s in the control group. In the experimental group, the affected and less affected limb stride lengths increased by 0.09 +/- 0.12 m and 0.10 +/- 0.07 m respectively, whereas in the control group they decreased by 0.00 +/- 0.04 m and increased by 0.02 +/- 0.06 m, respectively. Kinematic parameters in the lower extremity joints during walking were more improved after the training in the experimental group. Confidence in balance, postural control, dynamic balance and performance time for different environmental walking situations were also improved more in the experimental group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Locomotor imagery training can be considered as a useful option for restoration of ambulation for individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke who are unable to participate in physical gait training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of South Korea.
authors.forename: Sujin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Hye-Seon
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Jeon
authors.forename: Chung-hwi
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.forename: Oh-yun
authors.initials: OY
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Sang-hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Sung-hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: You
mesh_terms: D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010291:Paresis; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking