The effect of motor imagery training in addition to core stabilization exercises on core performance,, balance, functional capacity, and quality of life in healthy adolescents girls

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of motor imagery (MI) training in addition to core training on core performance (CP), balance, functional capacity (FC) and quality of life in healthy female adolescents. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: control group (CG) (n=25) who performed core stabilization (CS) exercise protocol and training group (EG) (n=25) who received MI training in addition to CS exercise protocol. Trainings were performed three days a week for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Sit-up Test, Modified Push-up Test, Flamingo Balance Test, Y Balance Test, 6 Minute Walk Test, Pediatric Quality of Life Questionniare Scale, Movement Imagery Questionnaire, Vividness of Motor Imagery Questionnaire were used to collect data. All tests were repeated in both groups before and after the training program. According to the data we obtained, there was a significant difference in the intra-group comparison of CP tests in both groups (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the intra-group comparison of dynamic balance values (p<0,001). There was a significant difference in favor of EG in the intergroup comparison of static balance. In the comparison of FC, there was a significant difference in favor of EG at 6 DYT distance (p<0,001). As a result, while CS training alone is sufficient to increase CP and dynamic balance in adolescent girls, if it is aimed to increase static balance and FC, it may be beneficial to add MI training to the training program in addition to CS training.