Table 3 Overview on training session elements for embedded and added MI

Integration of MI (embedded, added)

Embedded into physiotherapy session

Added after physiotherapy session

Session (group or individual)

Individual session

Individual session

Temporal order

MI trials before physical practice trial

MI trials after physiotherapy session

Supervision by an instructor

Supervised

Not supervised

Directedness with stepwise guidance

Directed

Directed

Location of MITS (task-specific, not task-specific)

Task-specific: during physiotherapy on red mat with chair for support

Not task-specific: after physiotherapy session in separate room on a treatment bench

Position of the individual during MI (task-specific, not task-specific)

Task-specific: depending on the motor task stage that has to be imagined

Not task-specific: supine lying on a treatment bench

Instruction medium (acoustic)

Spoken instructions directly from therapist

Spoken instructions from therapist on tape

Instruction type (detailed, keywords, coarse)

Detailed

Detailed

Instruction individualisation (standardised, tailored)

Standardised

Standardised

Instruction mode (live, pre-recorded)

Live

Pre-recorded

Eyes (open, closed)

Closed

Closed

Perspective (internal, external)

Internal

Internal

Mode (kinaesthetic, visual)

Both: first visual MI, then kinaesthetic MI

Both: first visual MI, then kinaesthetic MI

Focus (motor, cognitive, strength)

Motor

Motor

Familiarisation with MI before intervention start

None

None

Temporal parameters

Number of MI trials in one MITS

5 to 9 visual,

2 to 4 kinaesthetic

6 to 8 visual,

1 to 3 kinaesthetic

Duration of one MITS

embedded into physiotherapy: 15 to 20 min

added after physiotherapy: 15 to 20 min

Total MI time within 6 MITS

6× MI training session duration = 90 to 120 min

6× MI training session = 90 to 120 min