Mental imagery, an experience of movement

Movement is a complex cognitive operation that is approached by the physical therapist from different training approaches. Knowing the brain activation patterns in motor learning processes allows improving the training processes performed by the physical therapist. The contemporary therapeutic approach involves the user-patient, where the use of practice or mental imagery (MI) can enhance the motor learning process. MI refers to the evocation of sensations about objects, situations or actions in their absence.
Neuroscience should explore brain activation patterns in MI to identify strategies to improve the motor training process. Heterogeneity in designs and protocols is found in the literature, as well as small sample sizes (Malouin, 2009; Muller, 2007; Iestwaart, 2011), which implies the need for more studies and standardization of protocols. Having a validated MI protocol will allow advancing to the exploration of its potential effect in therapeutic and sports settings, phases two and three that are expected to be carried out after the end of this seed project. This is a descriptive exploratory study whose objective is to structure a mental imagery protocol with electroencephalographic recording. A convenience sample of 32 participants will be used to perform stability, mobility and manipulation tasks. The motor imagery capacity will be determined by a questionnaire.

Validated protocol of mental imagery - technological development that integrates with the area of measurement and evaluation for diagnostic purposes and therapeutic effectiveness of the clinical research line of the Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group of the Universidad del Rosario.
2. Development of capacity for multidisciplinary research in the Psychology Laboratory - EMCS.
3. Identification of the most relevant theoretical and practical references of mental practice to analyze and contribute to physiotherapy and psychology, in relation to the planning and execution of motor tasks in learning processes.
4. Academic production - article in an indexed journal