Effectiveness of using an unskilled model in action observation combined with motor imagery training for early motor learning in elderly people: a preliminary study. (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kawasaki, Tsubasa; Tozawa, Ryosuke; Aramaki, Hidefumi
• Is Part Of: Somatosensory & motor research. Volume 35:Number 3/4(2018)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Combined action observation and motor imagery training -- early motor learning -- model's skill -- elderly people; Skin -- Innervation -- Periodicals; Somesthesia -- Periodicals; Perceptual-motor processes -- Periodicals; 573.85
• DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2018.1527760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-0220

Abstract

Abstract: Aim of the study: To investigate a more available model for the early phase of motor learning after action observation combined with motor imagery training in elderly people. To address the purpose, we focused on a slow, unskilled model demonstrating an occasional error. Materials and methods: A total of 36 elderly people participated in the current study and were assigned to either the unskilled or skilled model observation groups ( n = 12, respectively), or the control group ( n = 12). The participants in the observation groups observed the assigned a video clip of an unskilled or skilled model demonstrating a ball rotation task. During the observation, the participants were instructed to imagine themselves as the person in the video clip. The participants in the control group read a scientific paper during the equivalent period of action observation and motor imagery. We measured ball rotation performance (the time required for five rotations, the number of ball drops) in pre- and post-intervention (observation combined with motor imagery training for intervention groups or reading for control group). Results: Ball rotation performance (ball rotation speed) significantly improved in the unskilled model observation group compared to the other two groups. Conclusions: Intervention for action observation using unskilled model combined with motor imagery was effective for improving motor performance during the early phase of motor learning.