Jessica Lust

Development of motor planning and motor imagery in children with Cerebral Palsy

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) clearly show motor problems. These can make the use of regular rehabilitation methods troublesome. Motor imagery (MI) is the ability to mentally simulate the movement of a limb, without actually moving that limb. Research in adult stroke patients has shown that MI training can help in (re)learning movements. A prerequisite for developing this technique for the use in children with CP is gaining knowledge about the extent to which these children are able to use MI. In the present project we study the development of motor function and MI ability in children with CP between the ages of 5 and 10 years. First, we aim to reveal the age at which these children are able to use MI. Second, we will analyze the relation between real movements and MI during development. The results of this project will provide an answer to the question if and when MI training can be used in children with CP in order to help them improve their motor function.

• Learning and Development
• Perception
• Sports