Motor imagery training with augmented cues of motor learning on cognitive functions in patients with Parkinsonism

Background/Aims: Patients with Parkinsonism demonstrate impairments in cognitive functions, such as deficit in attention, planning, and working memory. The objective was to investigate the effect of motor imagery training with augmented cues of motor learning on cognitive functions in patients with Parkinsonism. Methods: A total of 30 patients from both sexes participated in this study. All of the patients had been diagnosed as idiopathic Parkinson patients experiencing cognitive dysfunction. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups: the study group (n=15) received motor imagery training with augmented cues of motor learning and the specifically designed intervention. The control group (n=15) received conventional treatment (cognitive remediation therapy). The treatment took place three times a week for 6 weeks (18 sessions). The patients were diagnosed with a computer-based cognitive assessment device (RehaCom). Findings: The result of this study showed that there was a significant difference between the study and control groups (p=0.0001), which indicated that the study group showed a greater improvement than the control group. Conclusions: Combined effect of motor imagery training with augmented cues of motor learning improved cognitive functions in patients with Parkinsonism.