"Rewiring Recovery: The Effectiveness of Graded Motor Imagery in Enhancing Upper Limb Motor Function Following Stroke"

Abstract: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, frequently resulting in persistent upper limb motor impairments that significantly affect independence and quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation approaches, although beneficial, often yield limited recovery, particularly in chronic stroke survivors. In recent years, Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) has emerged as a promising neurorehabilitation approach grounded in principles of neuroplasticity and motor learning. GMI is a sequential intervention comprising laterality recognition, motor imagery, and mirror therapy, designed to activate cortical motor networks without physical movement. This review article critically examines the effectiveness of Graded Motor Imagery in promoting upper limb motor recovery among post-stroke patients. Evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and neurophysiological studies is synthesized to explore its impact on motor function, pain, cortical reorganization, and functional independence. The clinical implications for rehabilitation professionals and future research directions are also discussed. The findings suggest that GMI is an effective, low-cost, and patient-centered intervention that can be integrated into stroke rehabilitation programs to optimize upper limb recovery.