The effects of observation learning combined motor imagery and action observation on the basketball skills

Abstract

Purpose In general, motor imagery and action observation have been distinguished from each other. Recently, several studies demonstrated that combined approach to motor imagery and action observation can be more effective in motor learning. The present study examined the effects of observation learning combined motor imagery and action observation during acquisition basketball shooting skills. Methods We divided with control group, action observation group and observation learning group combined mental image and action observation in the three middle school. Action observation group provided the action observation program, and observation learning group was performed observation learning combined mental image and action observation training. All groups were perform basic basketball skills. Experimental intervention was performed for 10 weeks, and data analysis was performed 3 groups × 2 time repeated ANOVA. Results The results indicated that all group were improve after intervention, and subjects who participated in combined mental image and action observation was significant in the interaction effect on the front shoot. Moreover, the interaction effect on the motor imagery ability was significant. Conclusions These findings suggest that the use of observation learning combined mental image and action observation strategy potentially optimizes motor skills performance and motor image ability by incorporating motor imagery, especially when observing movements with intent to imitate.