Can action observation modulate balance performance in healthy subjects?

Roberto Gatti,Andrea Tettamanti,Mattia Pelachin,Elisabetta Sarasso,Massimo Filippi,Federica Agosta

doi:10.1186/s40945-018-0053-0

Abstract

BackgroundAction observation activates brain motor networks and, if followed by action imitation, it facilitates motor learning and functional recovery in patients with both neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. To date, few studies suggested that action observation plus imitation can improve balance skills; however, it is still unclear whether the simple repetitive observation of challenging balance tasks is enough to modify postural control. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to investigate whether repetitive action observation of balance exercises without imitation has the potential to improve balance performance; the secondary aim was to estimate the different training effects of action observation, action observation plus imitation and balance training relative to a control condition in healthy subjects.MethodsSeventy-nine healthy young adults were randomly assigned to 4 groups: action observation, action observation plus imitation, balance training and control. The first three groups were trained for about 30 minutes every day for three weeks, whereas the control group received no training. Center of pressure path length and sway area were evaluated on a force platform at baseline and after training using posturographic tests with eyes open and closed.ResultsAs expected, both action observation plus imitation and balance training groups compared to the control group showed balance improvements, with a medium to large effect size performing balance tasks with eyes open. Action observation without imitation group showed a balance improvement with eyes open, but without a significant difference relative to the control group.ConclusionsBoth action observation plus imitation and balance training have similar effects in improving postural control in healthy young subjects. Future studies on patients with postural instability are necessary to clarify whether AOT can induce longer lasting effects. Action observation alone showed a trend toward improving postural control in healthy subjects, suggesting the possibility to study its effects in temporarily immobilized diseased subjects.

Highlights

Action observation activates brain motor networks and, if followed by action imitation, it facilitates motor learning and functional recovery in patients with both neurological and musculoskeletal disorders
In order to understand the real contribution of Action observation (AO) alone on postural stability, the main aim of the present study was to assess whether a multi-session training consisting of AO of balance tasks can improve postural sway
The groups were similar at baseline in terms of demographic variables, except for the age that was relatively higher in Control group (CO) group relative to AO group

Summary

Introduction

Action observation activates brain motor networks and, if followed by action imitation, it facilitates motor learning and functional recovery in patients with both neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. Few studies suggested that action observation plus imitation can improve balance skills; it is still unclear whether the simple repetitive observation of challenging balance tasks is enough to modify postural control. Many studies have demonstrated that the observation of meaningful actions stimulates the activity of motor and motor-related networks without any movement execution. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of AOT in promoting motor learning and functional recovery after stroke [9], in people affected by Parkinson’s disease [10, 11], in children with cerebral palsy [12], and in post-surgical orthopedic patients [13]

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