Motor Imagery Training to Improve Walking, Balance, and Fear of Movement in Parkinsons Disease Patients Aged 40 to 75

What this Trial Is About

Parkinsons disease PD is a common neurodegenerative disorder marked by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to motor symptoms like slowed movement, tremors, and stiffness. Patients often face challenges with hand dexterity and balance, including issues such as reduced sway, shorter base of support, rigidity, and postural misalignment. This research aims to study the effects of motor imagery training, a rehabilitation technique where patients mentally simulate movements, to improve kinesiophobia, walking, and balance in people with PD. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will receive a Mental Imagery Application Protocol that includes watching gait videos, identifying gait problems, relaxation exercises, mental imagery of walking, and physical gait practice. This intervention is delivered in 12 sessions lasting up to 90 minutes each, three times per week over four weeks. The control group will continue with routine medical treatment without the mental imagery training. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at the start and after five weeks of treatment. Evaluations include mental chronometry tests using the Timed Up and Go Test and the Gyko device, balance and gait scales, and questionnaires measuring fear of movement and motor imagery ability. Additional assessments cover disease severity, cognitive function, and motor symptoms. This comprehensive monitoring will help researchers understand the impact of mental imagery training on PD-related walking and balance difficulties.

Effects of Motor Imagery Training