Abstract
Background/aimThis study aims to explore the mirror neuron system (MNS) involvement using mu (8–12 Hz)/beta (15–25 Hz) band suppression in an action observation-execution paradigm.Materials and methodsElectrophysiological (EEG) data from 16 electrodes were recorded while 8 participants observed video clips of a hand squeezing a spring. Specifically, the effect of anticipated execution on observation was studied. For this purpose, a fully actuated finger exoskeleton robot was utilized to synchronize observation and execution and to control the execution condition for the participants. Anticipatory effect was created with a randomized robot accompany session.ResultsThe results showed that the observational condition (with or without anticipation) interacted with hemisphere at central channels near somatosensory cortex. Additionally, we explored the response of MNS on the kinetics features of visual stimuli (hard or soft spring).ConclusionThe results showed an interaction effect of kinetics features and hemisphere at frontal channels corresponding nearly to the ventral premotor cortex area of the brain. The activation of mirror neurons in this area plays a crucial role in observational learning. Based on our results, we propose that specific type of visual stimuli can be combined with the functional abilities of the MNS in the action observation based treatment of hand motor dysfunction of stroke patients to have a positive additional impact.
Highlights
An impaired hand function is often reported to be the most disabling motor deficit after stroke
Background/aim: This study aims to explore the mirror neuron system (MNS) involvement using mu (8–12 Hz)/beta (15–25 Hz) band suppression in an action observation-execution paradigm
The results showed that the observational condition interacted with hemisphere at central channels near somatosensory cortex
Summary
An impaired hand function is often reported to be the most disabling motor deficit after stroke. The functional reuse of the hand is of paramount importance for the patient’s physical independence and social integration. The focus of stroke rehabilitation has been mainly the treatment of the proximal and distal segments of the upper limb, especially the hand motor dysfunction [1,2]. Different rehabilitation approaches for this neurological handicap have been proposed; among them action observation (AO) treatment could be a viable strategy to improve motor rehabilitation following stroke [3,4,5]. During a typical session in AO treatment, patients observe a meaningful action performed by an agent and afterwards they perform the observed motor act at the best of their ability [3].
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