Effectiveness of motor imagery training on functionality and quality of life in chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of motor imagery training on pain, disability, motor imagery, and quality of life in young adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods: Forty young adults with non-specific neck pain were randomly allocated into exercise groups (N=20) and motor imagery training+ exercise groups (N=20). Patient assessment form, Visual Analog Scale (pain), Neck Disability Index (disability level), Motor Imagery Questionnaire-3 (motor imagery ability), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) (quality of life) were used for evaluation before and after the treatment. The exercise program included dynamic isometric neck exercises and deep neck muscle training exercises. The exercise program was executed for 5 days a week for 4 weeks for both groups. For motor imagery training+exercise groups, motor imagery training was applied in addition to exercise. Results: Pain and disability values significantly decreased for both groups after the treatment (p<0.05). For motor imagery ability, kinesthetic and internal visual imagery increased for both groups after the treatment (p<0.05). Physical function, social function, and mental health sub-parameters of Short Form-36 Health Survey were increased for motor imagery training+exercise groups after the treatment (p<0.05). However, all assessment values showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The effects of the exercise program were taken into account; motor imagery training did not seem to add any additional contribution to the treatment of non-specific chronic neck pain in young adults