Immediate Effects of Combined Action Observation and Motor Imagery on Spatiotemporal Gait in Multiple Sclerosis
31st Annual Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis Conference, Praha, Çek Cumhuriyeti, 11 - 13 Haziran 2026, ss.61, (Özet Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Praha
- Basıldığı Ülke: Çek Cumhuriyeti
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.61
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Gait impairment is one of the most common and disabling symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Action observation combined with motor imagery (AOMI) has been suggested to enhance sensorimotor activation more effectively than either approach alone; however, its immediate effects on gait parameters remain unclear. Methods: Nineteen individuals with MS were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n=11) or a control group (n=8). The intervention group received a single 20-minute session of walkingbased action observation combined with motor imagery, while the control group watched non-motor nature videos. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed using the GAITRite system before and after the intervention. Results: A significant group × time interaction was found for cadence (p = 0.023, η²p = 0.267), with a decrease in the intervention group and an increase in the control group. Gait speed showed a trend toward significance (p = 0.063, η²p = 0.189), with a similar opposite directional change. No significant interaction effects were observed for other gait parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A single session of AOMI appears to selectively influence temporal aspects of gait in individuals with MS, particularly cadence. The reduction in cadence and trend toward decreased gait speed in the intervention group may reflect a more controlled gait pattern. The increase in the control group may be related to task familiarization and the relaxing effects of non-motor visual input. Overall, the findings suggest modulation of gait control rather than direct improvement in performance. Keywords: action observation, motor imagery, multiple sclerosis, spatiotemporal gait