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Motor Imagery and Swallowing: Introduction to Literature and Discussion of Research needs in Dysphagia

Szynkiewicz SH, Nobriga CV and Donoghue CRO

Background: A large base of neurophysiological and neurobehavioral research supports motor imagery as an effective high-level, cognitive therapeutic strategy to enhance physical rehabilitation. One creates an imagined mental representation of a motor task without physical execution of the task. Mental practice, the repetitive rehearsal of a motor imagery task, complements physiotherapy treatment (active exercise) and has been shown to lead to increased motor learning and motor performance outcomes. Aim and main contribution: The current paper provides a review of dysphagia and exercise rehabilitation, an introduction to motor imagery and mental practice in clinical rehabilitation, a discussion of emerging research of motor imagery of swallowing and swallowing-related movements, and potential novel and exciting applications of motor imagery to dysphagia rehabilitation that warrant investigation.
Conclusion: Despite an extensive research base supporting the benefit of using mental practice in addition to active exercise following neurological injury, the potential applications for dysphagia remain largely under-investigated. Given the need for evidence-based, cost-effective, and accessible clinical management, this paper discusses therapeutic applications important for preventative and rehabilitative considerations for motor imagery and encourages expanded research in the area of motor imagery and dysphagia.