Cortical Activation to Action Observation and Motor Imagery Corresponds to Motor Learning: An EEG Study (P04.022)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and cortical correlates of action observation and motor imagery in promoting early learning of a complex motor task. Background Consisting evidence indicates that motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) are effective cognitive tools for motor learning, but data comparing the corresponding pattern of brain activation are lacking. Design/Methods: Thirty healthy non-athlete right-handed participants (age 22,87 ± sd 3,26 years; M/F 13/17) were randomly assigned into 3 groups: AO (N=9), MI (N=12), Control (N=9). Subjects read a written explanation of the task followed by 7-minute training: AO watched a video of the task, MI imagined it, Control (C) computed mathematics. Then they performed the task (3 min) with kinematics with error-time calculation. Task-related power was calculated with 32-channel EEG during training and execution, within four EEG frequency bands: α1 (10-11 Hz), α2 (12-13 Hz), β1 (16-17 Hz), β2 (22-23 Hz). Results: AO performed significantly better than MI, with significant lower values of ET. During the training period α1 desynchronization was higher for AO group than MI group over the left frontocentral and bilateral parietal areas. During task execution the AO group had a stronger β1 synchronization than MI and C groups over left parietal region. Conclusions: Sensorimotor activation to action observation was related to enhanced motor learning, corresponding to a lower, more efficient cortical activation during subsequent actual performance. The possible efficacy of action observation in promoting learning of a novel complex task may have rehabilitative implications. Disclosure: Dr. Leocani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Natali has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez Rosa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Velikova has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tettamanti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis, Teva Neuroscience, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck Serono, Bayer Schering, and Biogen Dompe. Dr. Gatti has nothing to disclose.