Translation and validation of the French Movement Imagery Questionnaire. Revised Second Version (MIQ-RS)

Introduction Motor imagery can be defined as a dynamic state during which the representation of a movement is internally rehearsed in the absence of voluntary movements. There are two strategies to mentally simulate the movements, either a visual representation of the movements (visual imagery), or kinesthetic feeling of the movement (kinetic imagery). In stroke rehabilitation, studies indicate that motor imagery associated with physical therapy results in cortical reorganization and correlative functional improvements. Aim The aim of this study is to provide to the French-speaking community a valid and reliable version of the Movement Imagery Questionnaire – Revised Second Version (MIQ-RS). Method We examined the test-retest, inter-rate reliability and the internal consistency of the visual and kinesthetic items of our French version of MIQ-RS in 153 healthy subjects. Results Results showed the internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.90) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient for visual items = 0.68 and for kinesthetic items = 0.78) of the French version of MIQ-RS were satisfactory; the two-factor structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Conclusion The French version of MIQ-RS is a valid and reliable instrument in French-speaking population and therefore useful as a measure for motor imagery ability