Psychological intervention

Clinical Practice

Cognitive psychology

Neuroscience

Auditory imagery

Motor skill

Cognition

Psychiatry

Economics

Motor learning

Mental image

Brain–computer interface

Psychology

Task (project management)

Management

Family medicine

Electroencephalography

Medicine

Motor imagery

Brain and Cognition

Motor imagery practice is a current trend, but there is a need for a systematic integration of neuroscientific advances in the field. In this review, we describe the technique of motor imagery practice and its neural representation, considering different fields of application. The current practice of individualized motor imagery practice schemes often lacks systematization and is mostly based on experience. We review literature related to motor imagery practice in order to identify relevant modulators of practice effects like previous experience in motor training and motor imagery practice, the type of motor task to be trained, and strategies to increase sensory feedback during physical practice. Relevant discrepancies are identified between neuroscientific findings and practical consideration of these findings. To bridge these gaps, more effort should be directed at analyzing the brain network activities related to practically relevant motor imagery practice interventions.

Using motor imagery practice for improving motor performance – A review