JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Motor imagery is a cognitive process that has been shown to be useful in the rehabilitation process after brain injury. Moreover, functional electrical stimulation (FES) has also been shown to be an effective intervention in many parameters, and there is some evidence of its contribution to the improvement of motor imagery capacity.

Objective:

Objective:

To compare the improvements in motor imagery parameters, strength and manual dexterity obtained using virtual reality, FES and selective FES based on multi-field electrodes in healthy people.

Methods:

Type of study: randomized, controlled clinical trial, with four branches, with blinded third-party assessment. 80 healthy university students will be assigned to the intervention groups. All, except those who participate in the control group, will undergo 5 consecutive sessions of 30 minutes each in the non-dominant arm of the corresponding intervention. Initial, post-intervention and a third follow-up assessment will be conducted. Movement imagery Questionnaire revised (MIQ-RS) and chronometry (timing) will be administered for the assessment of motor imagery, strength will be measured using a digital dynamometer, Nine Hole Peg Test and Box and Blocks test will be administered for manual dexterity assessment.

Results:

As a result, an improvement in motor imagery is expected, especially in the groups receiving selective FES. Improvements are also expected in the intervention groups in the rest of the parameters assessed in the non-dominant arm.

Conclusions:

Rehabilitation using FES and VR improves upper limb functionality. Multi-field electrodes enhance motor imagery. Positive results may benefit patients with neurological motor disorders.