Neurophysiology of motor imagery in neurorehabilitation and BCI technologies

Abstract

Over the last few decades, motor imagery was in the focus of the researchers' attention as a prototypical example of "embodied cognition", and as a basis for neuro-rehabilitation and brain-computer interfaces. This review reveals the concept of motor imagery, the factors characterizing and influencing this process, its neural correlates, and the possibilities for using in neurorehabilitation and brain-computer interfaces. The article explains some discrepancies and variability in findings from previous studies, that will help to optimize a study design in accordance with the purpose of each study in the future.