Combining Action Observation and Motor Imagery Improves Eye–Hand Coordination during Novel Visuomotor Task Performance. Issue 3 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marshall, Ben; Wright, David J.; Holmes, Paul S.; Wood, Greg
• Is Part Of: Journal of motor behavior. Volume 52:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 341
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Observational learning -- visuomotor adaptation -- visuomotor rotation -- gaze behavior; Human mechanics -- Periodicals; Movement, Psychology of -- Periodicals; Motor Activity -- Periodicals; Motor Skills -- Periodicals; Bewegingsleer; Mécanique humaine -- Périodiques; Psychomotricité -- Périodiques; 612.705
• DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2019.1626337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2895

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we compared the effectiveness of concurrent action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI), observing with the intent to imitate (active observation; AO), and passive observation (PO) training interventions for improving eye–hand coordination. Fifty participants were assigned to five groups [AO + MI, AO, PO, physical practice (PP); control] and performed a visuomotor rotation task, whilst eye movements were recorded. Each participant then performed 20 task trials in a training intervention before repeating the visuomotor rotation task in a post-test. As expected, PP produced the greatest improvement in task performance and eye–hand coordination. However, in comparison to the control group, AO + MI training produced a statistically significant increase in both task performance and eye–hand coordination, but no such improvements were found following AO or PO.