Towards efficient motor imagery interventions after lower-limb amputation.

Only 19 of the 22 recruited participants were analysed, and assignment was by order of inclusion rather than random allocation. The motor imagery group was slightly younger (median 53 years vs 61 years; p = 0.03), and the authors note age may have influenced walking speed. No locomotor baseline tests were possible before prosthesis fitting, so pre-existing group differences in walking cannot be ruled out. Several results were near the paper's threshold: Timed Up and Go interaction p = 0.08, early TUG contrast p = 0.06, and discharge assistance distribution p = 0.06. Pain was a secondary outcome, and participants were not selected for high phantom limb pain. The motor imagery group included 4 persons with traumatic amputation, who yielded greater motor recovery according to the authors.

Do not conclude that motor imagery alone causes faster recovery. All participants received standard physical therapy five times per week, and motor imagery was added only during training breaks; groups were also assigned by order of inclusion rather than randomly, so usual rehabilitation and baseline differences cannot be ruled out.