Integrating Mental Practice with Task-specific Training and Behavioral Supports in Poststroke Rehabilitation: Evidence, Components, and Augmentative Opportunities.

Stroke remains a leading cause of death, with most survivors experiencing long-term deficits in motor function. Upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis constitutes one of the most common and disabling poststroke impairments. Many contemporary rehabilitative methods target reacquisition of UE motor skills. One such intervention is mental practice (MP), which involves mental rehearsal without physical execution of the movement. MP has not been consistently integrated into clinical environments. This article discusses the scientific rationale for MPs, highlights evidence supporting their use, discusses components of the repetitive task-specific practice regimens accompanying MP, and discusses possible augmentative strategies and areas for research.