title: Utilization of motor imagery in upper limb rehabilitation: a systematic scoping review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine how motor imagery is being delivered in upper limb rehabilitation to guide practice and research.
  
  
  METHODS
  MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO databases were searched from 1987 to November 2014 STUDY SELECTION: English, adults, any clinical population or diagnosis, intervention for upper limb with an outcome measure used. All types of studies were included. Two authors independently selected studies for review using consensus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven motor imagery elements were extracted using a model implemented in sport research: PETTLEP model (Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, and Perspective).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search yielded 1107 articles with 1059 excluded leaving 48 articles for full review. A total of 38 articles involved individuals with stroke, five articles involved individuals with complex regional pain syndrome, and five articles for other conditions. Motor imagery elements most commonly described were physical, environment, task, and perspective. Elements less commonly described were timing, learning, and emotional aspects. There were significant differences between study populations (e.g. stroke and complex regional pain syndrome) and within populations on how motor imagery was delivered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many of the imagery elements reviewed are not being considered or reported on in the selected studies. How motor imagery is being delivered within and between populations is inconsistent, which may lead to difficulties in determining key elements of effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada jharris@mcmaster.ca.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Center, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hebert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Complex regional pain syndrome; mental representation; rehabilitation interventions; stroke; upper extremity (arm)