“The neural mechanisms explaining strength increase following mental training by motor imagery are not clearly understood. While gains are mostly attributed to cortical reorganization, the sub-cortical adaptations have never been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of motor imagery training on muscle force capacity and the related spinal and supraspinal mechanisms.”

“18 young healthy participants (mean age: 22.5 ± 2.6) took part in the experiment. They were distributed into two groups: a control group (n = 9) and an motor imagery training group (n = 9).”

“The motor imagery group performed seven consecutive sessions (one per day) of imagined maximal isometric plantar flexion (4 blocks of 25 trials per session). The control group did not engage in any physical or mental training.”

“After one week, only the motor imagery training group increased both plantar flexion maximal plantar flexion torque and rate of torque development.”

“The increased cortical descending neural drive and the excitability of spinal networks at rest could explain the greater rate of torque development and maximal plantar flexion torque after one week of motor imagery training.”

S.Grospretre, T.Jacquet, F Lebon, C.Papazanthis. A.Martin
Neural mechanisms of strength increase after one-week motor imagery training
European Journal Of Sport Sciences – Volume 18 #2 – 2018 – page 209

Mind-Body medicine……
Mind-body medicine is founded on the basic principle that the brain controls or influences the function of all cells in the body by direct connection to them via the nervous system, or via chemical interaction via release of hormones or substances called neuro-peptides. Hence the importance of and awareness of the existence of mind-body medicine. And the importance of utilizing mind-body medicine and integrating into the practice of medicine in the United States.