Mental Practice to Reduce Severe Upper Extremity Hemiparesis: A Feasibility Pilot Study

Abstract

Limited interventions address severe upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis. The feasibility of mental practice (MP) in acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR) is unexplored. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effect of MP on severe UE hemiparesis and the feasibility of MP in AIR. Single-group, pretest–posttest. Eleven patients ages 18–90, <1-month post-stroke, with UE hemiparesis completed an MP protocol, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Fugl Meyer Assessment (FM) assessed UE functional abilities and impairments. The patients and 17 occupational therapists working in AIR were surveyed to determine the feasibility of MP. Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a statistically significant difference in FMA and WMFT scores pretest to posttest. The feasibility survey results found MP to be appropriate and feasible, with lower scores in acceptability. MP appears to be feasible and appropriate to address severe UE hemiparesis in the AIR setting.

Plain Language Summary

Mental Practice to Reduce Severe Upper Extremity Weakness After a Stroke

Research has shown mental practice (MP) can reduce arm weakness after a stroke. MP is thinking about performing a task, without actually moving. Researchers are unsure if MP is effective to treat severe arm weakness. Study objectives: (1) Identify the effect of MP on severe arm weakness following a stroke. (2) Gain information about how patients and occupational therapists feel about MP. Eleven individuals, ages 18–90, who had a stroke with severe arm weakness participated in MP 5 days/week for 2 weeks. Arm weakness was measured before and after the treatment. The participants completed a survey about performing MP as well as 17 occupational therapists who work with individuals who have had a stroke. Results: MP improved the arm movements of individuals with severe arm weakness. Patients and therapists found MP to be appropriate and feasible to address arm weakness; however, they demonstrated less acceptability of performing MP.