Added Effect of Graded Motor Imagery on Upper Limb Function in Stroke Patients

GMI is a dynamic state during which the representation of a specific motor action is internally reactivated within working memory without any overt motor output. Imagery of movement activates largely the same brain areas that are activated when movement are actually performed.10 subjects consisting of 7 males and 3 females were randomly allocated to GMI (n=5) (group A) and conventional (n=5) (group B) groups by chit method. Conventional group (group A) received conventional treatment consisting of range of motion exercises, task oriented exercises, balance and gait training etc. The GMI group (group B) received same treatment along with GMI training. Which included Implicit and explicit motor imagery and mirror therapy. Intervention was of 4weeks, 5 times a week, 90minutes per session. Outcome measures were- 1) Fugl Meyer assessment of sensorimotor function after stroke (FMA) 2) The Chedoke arm and hand activity inventory (CAAHAI) Intra-group statistical analysis was done by paired t test which determined significant difference between the scores on both scales of both groups. Inter-group statistical analysis was done by unpaired t test which revealed Significant difference in experimental group on FMA scale as compared to control group but no significant difference on CAAHAI scale between both groups. Conclusion-upper extremity function shows significant improvement after graded motor imagery along with conventional therapy on FMA Scale whereas improvement in CAHAI scale is not significant.