Mind over back pain: imagining movement may reduce discomfort

This study tested whether adding motor imagery training (mentally practicing movements without actually moving) to standard exercise therapy can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. Thirty-two adults with persistent low back pain took part, all receiving exercise via video calls. Half also did daily mental imagery exercises for eight weeks. The goal was to see if this brain-based approach could ease pain, fatigue, anxiety, and disability better than exercise alone.