Motor imagery is defined as the process of voluntarily generating a mental image of a motor function without actually doing said function. Mental practice (MP) is the process of doing this repeatedly; practising it. There is some evidence that this process results in a better outcome than the physical practice alone and that it stimulates neural reorganisation. There is a small and growing literature that this approach could be beneficial for dysphagia rehabilitation. This paper describes an online survey conducted amongst speech and language therapists in America to identify the level of knowledge and implementation of MP and their perception of its effectiveness. Ninety-nine respondents answered the survey from across multiple different settings include acute medicine, head and neck cancer, neuro-rehab, dementia, paediatrics and more. Over half were aware of MP and just under a quarter were using the approach in their clinical practice. It was identified as an approach that enables individuals who are unsafe on oral trials to participate in therapy, it is easy to do, requires little support and people can access it independently at home. Cognitive impairment, lack of motivation, lack of evidence as well as difficulties in determining individuals imaging ability were identified as barriers. In the current climate of COVID-19 we are often unable to deliver face-to-face therapy. Mental practice provides a genuinely accessible and complimentary tool to traditional therapies than could easily be delivered remotely.
Mental practice could be a great COVID-19 solution for delivering swallow rehab
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