Effect of Graded Motor Imagery Training in Individuals with Chronic Lumbar Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc: A Research Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction

Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PIVD) causes lumbar pain, altered sensory processing, fear of movement, and reduced function. Chronic conditions disrupt central pain processing, motor planning, and body perception. Graded Motor Imagery (GMI), a recently used neuroscience-based intervention that targets altered central pain processing, cortical representation, and motor planning, has emerged as a promising intervention. Although GMI has demonstrated benefits in several chronic pain conditions, evidence regarding its effectiveness in chronic lumbar PIVD is limited. Need of the study: Chronic lumbar PIVD is associated with pain, disability, impaired lower extremity function, and fear-avoidance behaviours that are not fully addressed by conventional physiotherapy. Although GMI targets altered central pain processing and cortical representation, evidence regarding its effectiveness in chronic lumbar PIVD remains limited. Therefore, the present study calls for a clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of GMI training.