• The Role of Musical Training and Motor Imagery in Enhancing Neuroplasticity and Improving Cognitive and Motor Functions: A Narrative Review Based on fMRI Evidence
  • Farzaneh Kashi,1 Mahmoud Mohammadi-Sadr,2,* Faezeh Kashi,3
    1. Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
    2. Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
    3. Department of Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran


  • Introduction: Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s capacity for structural and functional reorganization in response to environmental experiences, learning, and sustained practice. Musical training and motor imagery are among the interventions capable of modulating neural pathways and enhancing both cognitive and motor functions. Motor imagery (MI) is defined as the mental simulation of movement without actual physical execution, during which neural circuits similar to those activated during real movement are recruited. Growing evidence suggests that continuous MI practice can improve motor skills, enhance neuromuscular coordination, and even restore motor function in cases of injury. The application of advanced neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has enabled investigation of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these changes. The present review aims to critically analyze fMRI-based studies regarding the effects of musical training and motor imagery on neuroplasticity and neurocognitive functioning.
  • Methods: This narrative review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search using the databases PubMed and Web of Science, as well as the search engine Google Scholar. The search strategy employed the following keywords: Motor Imagery, Musical Training, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), and Neuroplasticity. The inclusion criteria encompassed experimental studies such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-control studies as well as review articles published up to 2025 that utilized fMRI to investigate the effects of musical training or motor imagery on brain structure and function. Following the application of these criteria and search terms, a total of 15 relevant articles were identified and included in the final review.
  • Results: The reviewed studies indicate that musical training is associated with increased gray matter volume in specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and supplementary motor area. fMRI findings also suggest improved functional connectivity, enhanced neural efficiency, and reduced cognitive load, particularly in older adults undergoing musical training. Additionally, motor imagery practice leads to the activation of motor-related brain regions similar to those involved in actual movement execution. This activation has been linked to improved motor and cognitive performance in athletes, musicians, and individuals with neurological conditions. Furthermore, combining motor imagery with action observation (AOMI) has been shown to enhance motor performance and facilitate learning of complex motor tasks.
  • Conclusion: Based on current evidence, musical training and motor imagery represent effective, non-invasive, experience-dependent interventions with significant potential to promote neuroplasticity, improve cognitive and motor functions, and accelerate rehabilitation processes across various populations. fMRI has played a crucial role in elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying these effects, providing valuable insights into structural and functional brain changes. Targeted application of these interventions may pave the way for the development of innovative approaches in brain training, cognitive-motor enhancement, and evidence-based rehabilitation planning.
  • Keywords: Motor Imagery, Musical Training, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Neuroplasticity.