Neurocognitive techniques and assessment of motor imagery: contributions to clinical practice

Introduction: Neuropsychological and neurocognitive rehabilitation was presented as an evolving field aimed at improving functioning and quality of life in people with central nervous system disorders. Within this framework, cognitive stimulation was defined as a set of interventions aimed at enhancing processes such as attention, memory, language, and executive functions, and a transition was observed from restoration-centered approaches to compensatory strategies and a comprehensive view of the rehabilitation process. Development: Two predominant approaches in rehabilitation were described: the restoration of impaired functions and compensation through alternative strategies or external aids. Neurocognitive techniques were highlighted for their direct functional intervention on central mechanisms linked to the mental representation of movement, based on learning and neuroplasticity. In this context, motor imagery was characterized as the ability to mentally execute actions without muscle involvement, and its repetitive practice was associated with benefits in motor learning, performance, motivation, and functional recovery. Evidence supporting adaptive changes at the cortical, corticospinal, and spinal levels, along with reorganization of neural networks, was reviewed. In addition, the need for valid and reliable instruments to assess motor imagery was identified, considering the diversity of tests available depending on the focus on the first or second neuron. Conclusions: The study concluded that motor imagery was a therapeutic tool with significant potential in neurorehabilitation, whose clinical use required adequate evaluation and understanding of its neuroplastic foundations. It was considered that the systematic analysis of instruments and theoretical models favored more precise interventions and opened lines for future research.