Combined Therapies Show Promise in Neurorehabilitation Research

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the journal Neurorehabilitation has found that combining motor imagery and action observation therapies can be beneficial in improving functionality in individuals with various neurological and ageing-related disorders. The research, conducted by a team from the Public University of Navarre (UPNA), involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine articles that explored the effectiveness of these combined therapies. The study found that compared to individual therapies or conventional treatments, the combination of motor imagery and action observation demonstrated improvements in lower and upper limb functionality, mobility, gait speed, and fear of movement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the combination of motor imagery and action observation therapies is beneficial for improving functionality in individuals with various neurological and ageing-related disorders.
  • The research involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine articles that explored the effectiveness of these combined therapies.
  • The study found that compared to individual therapies or conventional treatments, the combination of motor imagery and action observation demonstrated improvements in lower and upper limb functionality, mobility, gait speed, and fear of movement.
  • The treatment protocols used varied in dosage (time and repetitions) and frequency (number of sessions per week).
  • Clear standards regarding the dosages of these combined therapies are lacking.
  • The study was registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42024552072).
  • The research was conducted by a team from the Public University of Navarre (UPNA) and included authors Paula Escalada-Hernandez, Maria Pilar Arnal-Valles, Ana Beatriz Bays-Moneo, Gustavo Adolfo Pimentel-Parra, Cristina Garcia-Vivar, Leticia San Martin-Rodriguez, and Nelia Soto-Ruiz.

Statistics:

  • The study included nine articles that explored the effectiveness of combining motor imagery and action observation therapies.
  • The research involved a meta-analysis of the selected studies.
  • The treatment protocols used varied in dosage and frequency.
  • The study found improvements in lower and upper limb functionality, mobility, gait speed, and fear of movement.
  • The research was registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42024552072).
  • The study was published in the journal Neurorehabilitation.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Neurorehabilitation Study Findings Have Been Reported from Public University of Navarre (UPNA) (Effectiveness of the Combined Use of Motor Imagery and Action Observation Therapies in Improving Functionality: A Systematic Review and ...). Clinical Trials Week. October 20, 2025; p 1845.
  • Effectiveness of the Combined Use of Motor Imagery and Action Observation Therapies in Improving Functionality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurorehabilitation, 2025:10538135251382909.