The effects of telerehabilitation-based motor imagery training on motor imagery ability, motor function and physical performance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation 2024-12, p.1-10
• Main Authors: Bora-Zereyak, Merve, Bulut, Numan, Yılmaz, Öznur, Haliloğlu, Göknur, Alemdaroğlu-Gürbüz, İpek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2438251

To explore the effects of telerehabilitation-based motor imagery (Tele-MI) training on motor imagery ability (MI), motor function, and performance in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The research involved twenty-three children with DMD and twelve healthy children. DMD cohort were randomized into two groups: treatment [Tele-MI training and telerehabilitation-based physiotherapy program (Tele-PTP),  = 12] and control (Tele-PTP,  = 11). MI ability [Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-10 (KVIQ-10), Motor Imagery Questionnaire for Children (MIQ-C), mental chronometry tests], motor function [Motor Function Measure (MFM), North Star Ambulation Assessment, Four Square Step Test] and timed performance were assessed at baseline and after 8-week training. MI ability scores of DMD cohort were lower than healthy children. A large interaction effect was found for KVIQ-10 visual and total, MIQ-C internal visual and kinesthetic scores, and delta time of 10-meter walk test of mental chronometry (η2 > 0.14). The small-medium interaction effect was found in motor function and ambulation results (η