title: Visuomotor imagery as a new tool in the rehabilitation of neglect: a randomised controlled study of feasibility and efficacy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of mental practice of positions and movements of the contralesional upper limb in sub-acute neglect patients and the efficacy of the approach in modifying visuospatial and representational neglect symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen sub-acute neglect patients received two daily half-hour sessions of visuomotor-imagery therapy over a 3-week period as an add-on treatment and were compared to a control group of 15 sub-acute neglect patients without supplementary therapy. Feasibility was assessed using verbal-feedback protocols. Efficacy was determined using various standardised functional-outcome measures and neuropsychological tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to therapy protocols, compliance and subjective-gain ratings were high. The results suggest that imagined activation of the contralesional upper limb significantly reduces the severity of neglect in drawing/copying tasks as well as enhancing sensation in the affected arm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that (i) kinaesthetic visuomotor imagery is a feasible technique for sub-acute neglect patients and that (ii) imagery practice leads to improvements in the perception of body and space. Future research is required to specify criteria for indication and contraindication.
authors.affiliation: Kliniken Schmieder, Akademische Kooperationseinheit für Neurologische Rehabilitation der Neurologischen, Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany. a.welfringer@kliniken-schmieder.de
authors.forename: Anouk
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Welfringer
authors.forename: Gundhild
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leifert-Fiebach
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Babinsky
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brandt
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D013037:Spatial Behavior; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014796:Visual Perception