| Objective: To observe the effect of graded motor imagery (GMI) on lower limb motor function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke. Methods: Totally, 32 patients with hemiplegia who met the criteria were randomly divided into control group (n=16) and GMI group (n=16). Control group and GMI group received conventional rehabilitation treatment, and GMI group was subjected to 30-min graded exercise imagination therapy every day. Before and 4 weeks after treatment, the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used to evaluate the muscle tone of the affected side of the lower leg triceps, and the lower limb motor function was evaluated by the lower limb Brunnstrom staging scale and the modified Fugl-Meye Lower limb Motor Assessment Scale (mFMA-LE). The walk-related Modified Barthel Index (wr-MBI) was used to assess the ability in activities of daily living. Results: Before treatment, MAS score, Brunnstrom stage of lower limbs, mFMA-LE score and wr-MBI score showed no significant difference between 2 groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in the MAS score in 2 groups before and after treatment. The Brunnstrom stage of lower limbs in GMI group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and there was no change in control group as compared with that before treatment, and there was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). mFMA-LE and wr-MBI scores in 2 groups were improved as compared with those before treatment, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), and those in the GMI group was more significantly improved than in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: GMI therapy can effectively improve lower limb motor function in stroke patients. |
