Effects of Motor Imagery Training on Health-related Quality of Life in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that impacts the central nervous system. It typically develops during young adulthood, substantially impacting the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through physical, cognitive, and psychosocial dysfunction. Recent breakthroughs in medical and rehabilitative approaches stress the need to enhance HRQoL for MS patients. Motor imagery (MI) training, involving the mental rehearsal of physical movements without actual execution, has emerged as a promising rehabilitation technique. This method activates neural circuits analogous to those during physical movement and improves motor function and psychological well-being in diverse neurological conditions, including MS. This narrative review synthesizes existing research on the effects of MI training on HRQoL in MS patients. Studies consistently report enhancements in motor function, including improved walking and reduced symptoms of fatigue and depression following MI interventions. Despite differing protocols and methodologies, the findings collectively suggest that MI training can enhance HRQoL in MS patients. Implementing MI training presents difficulties, including standardizing protocols, ensuring patient adherence, and addressing cognitive impairments influencing training effectiveness. In conclusion, MI training exhibits potential to enhance HRQoL in MS patients by addressing both physical and psychological aspects of the disease, thereby boosting overall well-being and functional independence.