2017 Volume 17 Pages 17-21
Motor imagery is beneficial for the improvement of motor function in physical therapy. In this study, the effect of motor imagery on the excitability of spinal motor neurons and motor accuracy was investigated. Motor imagery facilitated the excitability of spinal motor neurons, and the intensity of the imagined muscle contraction was not involved in the changes in spinal motor neurons’ excitability. Therefore, in clinical practice, motor imagery under only slight muscle contraction strength may be enough to improve motor function. In addition, the use of motor imagery during and after physical therapy can further improve the motor-learning effect.
