Motor Imagery during Action Observation of Locomotor Tasks Improves Rehabilitation Outcome in Older Adults after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Neural Plast. 2018 Mar 19:2018:5651391. doi: 10.1155/2018/5651391. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

This study aimed at determining whether the combination of action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) of locomotor tasks could positively affect rehabilitation outcome after hip replacement surgery. Of initially 405 screened participants, 21 were randomly split into intervention group (N = 10; mean age = 64 y; AO + MI of locomotor tasks: 30 min/day in the hospital, then 3×/week in their homes for two months) and control group (N = 11, mean age = 63 y, active controls). The functional outcomes (Timed Up and Go, TUG; Four Step Square Test, FSST; and single- and dual-task gait and postural control) were measured before (PRE) and 2 months after surgery (POST). Significant interactions indicated better rehabilitation outcome for the intervention group as compared to the control group: at POST, the intervention group revealed faster TUG (p = 0.042), FSST (p = 0.004), and dual-task fast-paced gait speed (p = 0.022), reduced swing-time variability (p = 0.005), and enhanced cognitive performance during dual tasks while walking or balancing (p < 0.05). In contrast, no changes were observed for body sway parameters (p ≥ 0.229). These results demonstrate that AO + MI is efficient to improve motor-cognitive performance after hip surgery. Moreover, only parameters associated with locomotor activities improved whereas balance skills that were not part of the AO + MI intervention were not affected, demonstrating the specificity of training intervention. Overall, utilizing AO + MI during rehabilitation is advised, especially when physical practice is limited.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / rehabilitation*
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imagination*
  • Locomotion*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motion Perception*
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Treatment Outcome