Kinesthetic Illusion as a Therapeutic Approach in Physiotherapy: Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Proprioceptive and Visual Stimulation

Abstract

Motor deficits impact an individual’s capabilities following stroke and may lead to maladaptive neural and behavioral changes. Although standard physical therapy helps individuals with mild to moderate impairments, effective options for severe motor deficits remain limited and necessitate innovative neurorehabilitation strategies. Kinesthetic illusion (KI), the perception of limb movement without actual movement, has emerged as a promising adjunctive rehabilitation strategy to drive neuroplasticity and facilitate motor function restoration. This review presents a conceptual framework for KI-based interventions as a therapeutic approach for individuals with stroke by integrating evidence from 2 distinct sensory modalities: proprioceptive and visual stimulation. Although both approaches aim to activate motor-related neural circuits without voluntary movement, they have been independently investigated. We reviewed how these sensory inputs are processed and integrated within the central nervous system and summarized their effects on brain activity, muscle responses, and functional outcomes. Finally, we propose a unified neurophysiological framework to advance understanding of sensory-driven KI, identify knowledge gaps, and guide future therapeutic approaches in physiotherapy.