TY - JOUR
T1 - Motor imagery during action observation: A brief review of evidence, theory and future research opportunities
AU - Eaves, Daniel
AU - Riach, Martin
AU - Holmes, Paul S.
AU - Wright, David J.
PY - 2016/10/25
Y1 - 2016/10/25
N2 - Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) have traditionally been viewed as two
separate techniques, which can both be used alongside physical practice to enhance motor
learning and rehabilitation. Their independent use has been shown to be effective, and there is
clear evidence that the two processes can elicit similar activity in the motor system. Building on
these well-established findings, research has now turned to investigate the effects of their
combined use. In this article, we first review the available neurophysiological and behavioral
evidence for the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery (‘AO+MI’) on motor
processes. We next describe a conceptual framework for their combined use, and then discuss
several areas for future research into AO+MI processes. In this review, we advocate a more
integrated approach to AO+MI techniques than has previously been adopted by movement
scientists and practitioners alike. We hope this early review of an emergent body of research,
along with a related set of research questions, can inspire new work in this area. We are
optimistic that future research will further confirm if, how, and when this combined approach to
AO+MI can be more effective in motor learning and rehabilitation settings, relative to the more
traditional application of AO or MI independently.
AB - Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) have traditionally been viewed as two
separate techniques, which can both be used alongside physical practice to enhance motor
learning and rehabilitation. Their independent use has been shown to be effective, and there is
clear evidence that the two processes can elicit similar activity in the motor system. Building on
these well-established findings, research has now turned to investigate the effects of their
combined use. In this article, we first review the available neurophysiological and behavioral
evidence for the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery (‘AO+MI’) on motor
processes. We next describe a conceptual framework for their combined use, and then discuss
several areas for future research into AO+MI processes. In this review, we advocate a more
integrated approach to AO+MI techniques than has previously been adopted by movement
scientists and practitioners alike. We hope this early review of an emergent body of research,
along with a related set of research questions, can inspire new work in this area. We are
optimistic that future research will further confirm if, how, and when this combined approach to
AO+MI can be more effective in motor learning and rehabilitation settings, relative to the more
traditional application of AO or MI independently.
U2 - 10.3389/fnins.2016.00514
DO - 10.3389/fnins.2016.00514
M3 - Article
SN - 1662-453X
SP - -
JO - Frontiers in Neuroscience
JF - Frontiers in Neuroscience
ER -