Effectiveness of motor imagery training on functionality and quality of life in chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial
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Date
2019
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Abstract
Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of motor imagery training on pain, disability, motor imagery,and quality of life in young adults with chronic non-specific neck pain.Methods: Forty young adults with non-specific neck pain were randomly allocated into exercise groups (N=20) and motorimagery training+ exercise groups (N=20). Patient assessment form, Visual Analog Scale (pain), Neck Disability Index(disability level), Motor Imagery Questionnaire-3 (motor imagery ability), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) (quality oflife) were used for evaluation before and after the treatment. The exercise program included dynamic isometric neck exercisesand deep neck muscle training exercises. The exercise program was executed for 5 days a week for 4 weeks for both groups.For motor imagery training+exercise groups, motor imagery training was applied in addition to exercise.Results: Pain and disability values significantly decreased for both groups after the treatment (p<0.05). For motor imageryability, kinesthetic and internal visual imagery increased for both groups after the treatment (p<0.05). Physical function,social function, and mental health sub-parameters of Short Form-36 Health Survey were increased for motor imagerytraining+exercise groups after the treatment (p<0.05). However, all assessment values showed no statistically significantdifference between the groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: The effects of the exercise program were taken into account, motor imagery training did not seem to add anyadditional contribution to the treatment of non-specific chronic neck pain in young adults.