Résumé
Objectives: motor imagery (MI) consists in mentally picturing an action without any motor execution. Whether in its explicit or implicit form, MI implies the activation of the same cortical networks as motor execution. MI is increasingly used in various contexts – locomotor rehabilitation, physical training or neurological diseases. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of MI in addition to standard practice in non-neurological conditions, on pain, range of motion, and strength. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the influence of different modalities of MI practice on outcomes’ improvements. Methods: eight data bases and grey literature were searched from the earliest record to march 2020. Two independent reviewers screened search results to include randomized controlled trials only. Data concerning pain, range of motion, and strength werere trieved. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of bias 2 tool. Meta-analyses were conducted with random-effects model after testing for heterogeneity. Results: forty-six studies met the required criteria and forty-one were included in the quantitative analysis, representing 470 subjects in the MI group and 455 in the control group. There was a significant pooled standardized mean difference in favour of MI for reducing pain (SMD −1.14, 95% CI, −1.80 to −0.48; P < 0.01), promoting strength gain (SMD 0.48, 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.74; P < 0.01) and improving range of motion (SMD 0.65, 95% CI, 0.11 to 1.18; P < 0.01).Conclusion: motor imagery significantly reduce pain with a large effect size, even if clinical significance is not reached. It also promotes muscular strength gain and help range of motion recovery with a moderate effect size.