The effects of graded motor imagery treatment added to conventional physiotherapy program on upper extremity functions in cases with peripheral nerve injury

This study aims to determine the effect of adding Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) to a conventional physiotherapy program on upper extremity functions in cases with Peripheral Nerve Injury (PNI). In the research, pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Range of Motion (ROM) with a goniometer, gross grip strength with a Jamar Dynamometer, and fine grip strength with a pinch meter. Patients' upper extremity functions were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). A total of 20 cases were included in the study. An exercise program was implemented for these cases starting from the 6th week after surgical repair, with sessions lasting 45 minutes, twice a week, for 6 weeks. The cases were divided into two groups first group (n=10) received GMI in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program, second group received only the conventional physiotherapy program. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of pain, ROM, and grip strength before treatment (p>0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment GMI training adding to conventional physiotherapy program, significant improvements were observed in pain, DASH, MHQ and TSK scores at the 12th week, while there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of ROM and grip strength values. Keywords: Graded Motor Imagery, Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries, Hand Rehabilitation.