Mental Practice and its Implications for Occupational Therapists: A Literature Review

Abstract

The efficacy of mental practice in enhancing physical performance is briefly reviewed, and the conditions under which it is optimally employed are discussed. The established use of mental practice in the fields of sport and various aspects of hearth care is highlighted, following which its potential value for occupational therapists working in the area of physical rehabilitation is examined. It is concluded that, although empirical investigation of its relevance is required, mental practice may provide important benefits to individuals when included as an adjunctive treatment strategy in occupational therapy programmes.