Using motor imagery practice for improving motor performance – A review

• Published in: Brain and cognition Vol. 150; p. 105705
• Main Authors: Ladda, Aija Marie, Lebon, Florent, Lotze, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2021; Elsevier Science; Elsevier
• Subjects: Brain representation; Cognitive science; Imagery training; Mental practice; Mental task performance; Motor learning; Motor task performance; Movement imagination; Neural coding; Neuromodulation; Neuroscience; Psychology; Reviews; Mental practice; M1; SMA; PMC; LTP; Motor learning; IPS; Brain representation; Movement imagination; mPFC; ALE; LTD; S1; Imagery training; BA; S2
• ISSN: 0278-2626; 1090-2147; 1090-2147
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2021.105705

•The technique of motor imagery practice and its neural representation is described.•Literature has been reviewed for identifying relevant modulators of practice effects.•Application of these modulators optimizes motor imagery practice interventions. Motor imagery practice is a current trend, but there is a need for a systematic integration of neuroscientific advances in the field. In this review, we describe the technique of motor imagery practice and its neural representation, considering different fields of application. The current practice of individualized motor imagery practice schemes often lacks systematization and is mostly based on experience. We review literature related to motor imagery practice in order to identify relevant modulators of practice effects like previous experience in motor training and motor imagery practice, the type of motor task to be trained, and strategies to increase sensory feedback during physical practice. Relevant discrepancies are identified between neuroscientific findings and practical consideration of these findings. To bridge these gaps, more effort should be directed at analyzing the brain network activities related to practically relevant motor imagery practice interventions.