The impact of Functional Imagery Training on adherence to treatment, completion of rehabilitation exercise plan and confidence in recovery in sports therapy patients: pilot study

Oral Presentation B5.6

Authors

  • Karol Nedza University of Plymouth
  • Jon May University of Plymouth

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.518

Keywords:

Imagery, Intervention, FIT, Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy

Abstract

Background: Patients’ adherence to physical therapy can be as low as 50% (Silva, 2010); with many reasons why patients decide to drop out. Imagery use has been linked with rehabilitation adherence during the therapy process (Wesch et al, 2012). Purpose: This study aims to test whether Functional Imagery Training (a novel method combining elements of motivational interviewing with goal-oriented imagery) can improve adherence to the treatment, patients’ confidence of recovery and completion of the exercise plan, in comparison to treatment-as-usual (control). Methods: Twenty participants (Mage= 41.3, SD = 13.7) were randomly allocated (single-blind) to either FIT or control conditions. FIT condition received a 30-minute session at their first visit to the physical therapy clinic. All participants completed questionnaires on adherence, confidence, percentage of the weekly exercise plan completed and whether they returned for further treatment, 2 and 4 weeks after their first visit. Results: The groups differed in percentage of exercise plans completed and confidence of recovery, but there was no interaction with time. The rehabilitation adherence scale was approaching significance with the groups differing at 4 weeks. At 4 weeks more of the FIT group returned for treatment. Conclusions: FIT can be utilised as an effective method in supporting the psychological aspects of physical therapy, such as adherence to treatment, confidence of recovery and completion of the exercise plan. We also theorise that the elements of imagery and personalised goal are key in promoting the adherence to exercise plans and completing essential exercises; further support comes from other trials of FIT (Solbrig, 2018). Funding: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Nedza, K., & May, J. (2021). The impact of Functional Imagery Training on adherence to treatment, completion of rehabilitation exercise plan and confidence in recovery in sports therapy patients: pilot study: Oral Presentation B5.6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.518