Efeito do treinamento físico associado a prática mental em hemiparéticos: um estudo simples cego randomizado

Abstract

Introduction: Mental Practice (MP) allows the individual to perform tasks repeatedly without fatigue or any risk to safety. Studies show the efficacy of PM in stroke patients by improving motor skills and performance learning. Objective: to investigate the effect of a MP program associated to physical practice, assessing the moment of insertion of the practice during therapy, and estimating motor and imaging functions. Methods: This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial that evaluated the efficacy of mental practice conducted in patients diagnosed with chronic stroke. Patients were randomly assigned to the following groups: G1 (PM + Physical Training (PT)), G2 (PT + MP) and G3 (PT) (FIM), Theory of Mind Inventory (ToM), Surface Electromyography (EMGs), as well as the Action Research Arm test (ARAT) and Box and Block test (BBT). Results: Thirty-five subjects fulfilled the eligibility criteria, 21 accepted to participate in the study and were enrolled for the study, but only 10 completed the study. Thus, a variance test was performed between the groups, showing no statistical significance. Comparing the moments of the same group, there was a statistically significant difference in G1 in the Fugl Meyer (Hand and Total Upper Limb) variables, limb affected in ARAT and limb affected in BBT, the latter two with evidence for evaluation and follow up. Conclusion: The Mental Practice associated with physical training is an effective protocol. Our results suggest a possible indication that mental practice performs better when performed prior to physical training.