| MI training session element | MI training session elements for embedded MI | MI training session elements for added MI |
---|---|---|---|
MITS elements | 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 |