A Systematic Review of Efficacy of Mental Practice in Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation

Bets on how long before this makes it to clinical practice. 15 years. My opinion is this should start while still in the hospital.  Actual therapy hours are so small while there. You can listen to music at the same time and get double the benefit. 25 years before that is put into clinical practice.
http://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?hl=en&q=http://www.researchgate.net/publication/234129776_A_Systematic_Review_of_Efficacy_of_Mental_Practice_in_Chronic_Stroke_Rehabilitation/file/32bfe50f700b09b596.pdf&sa=X&scisig=AAGBfm3y94MGasFoOPwCoP6S1Ucdws7W3Q&oi=scholaralrt
ABSTRACT
Background: Although the beneficial effects of mental practice on motor function after stroke have been reported by
several groups. However, it has not been determined yet, when it is best to start mental practice for stroke rehabilitation; acute or
chronic stage. Objective: The aim of this 2nd part of systematic reviews is to assess the effectiveness of mental practice on
functional recovery when applied in chronic stage of stroke patients. Methods: A systematic literature search of electronic
databases were performed by 2 researchers independently who screened and selected all randomized controlled trials that
investigated the effects of mental practice on functional recovery when applied in chronic stage of stroke patient. Eligible studies
published till June 2011 were selected. Results: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review.
The included studies were of high quality. Results suggest that mental practice combined with physical practice improves
functional recovery. Conclusions: Mental practice remains a promising motor intervention for chronic stroke rehabilitation.
However a relatively small body of evidence for application mental practice in different recovery stages of stroke patient still
exists. Future studies employing high quality research with research designed at the upper levels of the hierarchy of evidence are
recommended to strengthen the present evidence. [Egypt J Neurol Psychiat Neurosurg. 2012; 49(3): 173-180]