Using Motor Imagery Training to Increase Quadriceps Strength: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Motor imagery training implements neural adaptation theory to improve muscle strength without physically performing muscle contractions. To date, motor imagery training research regarding the efficacy of improving torque of the quadriceps over a brief training period is limited.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a 3-week motor imagery training on peak torque during knee extension.

METHOD: Ten young, healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups over a 3-week period: strength training, motor imagery training and control.

RESULTS: Following training, an increase in peak torque was observed in all strength training participants (mean change of 38 ± 15%) and in 2 members of the motor imagery training group (45 ± 10%).

CONCLUSION: Brief periods of motor imagery training may have the potential to improve quadriceps strength; however, more research is needed with larger populations to test this hypothesis.