Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Sep 8, 2025
Date Accepted: Nov 17, 2025
The Effect of Motor Imagery Ability on Function and Proprioception in Myoelectric Prosthesis Users: A Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Motor Imagery Ability (MIA) is a critical cognitive process that enables the mental simulation of movements, facilitating effective control and skill acquisition of myoelectric prostheses in amputees. Although MIA is essential, its impact on upper extremity function and proprioception in myoelectric prosthesis users remains insufficiently studied.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate MIA in transradial amputees with myoelectric prostheses, compare it with a healthy control group, and examine its association with upper extremity functionality and proprioception.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study will include 15 transradial amputees (aged 18–65) and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, recruited from prosthetics and orthotics centers in Istanbul, Turkey. Assessments will include MIA, hand mental rotation, upper extremity function, and proprioception. MIA will be measured using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3 (MIQ-3) and the Mental Chronometry Test (MCT). Hand mental rotation ability will be assessed via the Orientate mobile application. Upper extremity function will be evaluated using the Box and Block Test (BBT), Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH). Proprioception will be assessed through Joint Position Sense (JPS) measurements. All data will undergo appropriate statistical analyses.
Results:
As this is a study protocol, no results are available yet. Data collection began in April 2025 and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
Conclusions:
This study will evaluate motor imagery ability in transradial amputees with myoelectric prostheses and explore its relationship with upper extremity function and proprioception. The findings are expected to guide the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies, particularly those incorporating motor imagery-based training for this population. Clinical Trial: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06541379
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