Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a review of eye movements during action execution, action observation, and movement imagery. Furthermore, the paper highlights aspects of congruency in gaze metrics between these states. The implications of the imagery, observation, and action gaze congruency are discussed in terms of motor learning and rehabilitation. Future research directions are outlined in order to further the understanding of shared gaze metrics between overt and covert states. Suggestions are made for how researchers and practitioners can structure action observation and movement imagery interventions to maximize (re)learning.
Highlights
Neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, have allowed researchers to locate specific areas of brain activation and highlight the spatial and temporal congruency between observing, executing, and imaging actions
For a range of gaze metrics we consider clinical and research implications, and translational applications across a number of domains and provide several key research areas that we propose would benefit from further inquiry
We have demonstrated that there are several gaze metrics that differ between states
Summary
Neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have allowed researchers to locate specific areas of brain activation and highlight the spatial and temporal congruency between observing, executing, and imaging actions. In contrast to imaging techniques such as fMRI, one method of quantifying imagery and observation of goal-directed action is by measuring eye movements, which may provide an online indication of some of the attentional and cognitive processes (Liversedge and Findlay, 2000). This may inform the debate on the meaningfulness of any shared neural substrate. Specific eye movements (visual fixations) precede motor manipulation (Abrams et al, 1990) and during visuomotor tasks such as reach and grasp, the location and duration of these unique eye movements are considered to perform two vital monitoring functions: (1) identifying the goal directed target; and (2) providing visual feedback about the grasping hand to enable online corrections (Land et al, 1999; Brouwer et al, 2009). We will discuss how eye movements are utilized during action observation and the similarities between observing and executing actions
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