Article
Biology
Kristel Yu Tiamco Bayani, Nikhilesh Natraj, Nada Khresdish, Justin Pargeter, Dietrich Stout, Lewis A. Wheaton
Summary: The study examined eye movements and motor skills in a paleolithic stone toolmaking task to evaluate changes and relationships in perceptual processes during motor learning and performance. It highlighted the importance of understanding the emergence and evolution of perceptual-motor coupling in complex motor skill learning, particularly in stone toolmaking as early evidence of human motor skills and social learning. The results indicated a strong association between perceptual changes and motor performance improvements, suggesting a coupling of perceptual and motor processes during motor learning.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
J. A. Binks, C. J. Wilson, P. Van Schaik, D. L. Eaves
Summary: This study investigated the training effects of combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) on a complex cup-stacking task, without physical practice. The results showed that AO + MI practice led to shorter movement execution times compared to other conditions, both immediately after practice and one week later.
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Helen O'Shea
Summary: This study utilizes multidimensional modeling to examine the neurocognitive characteristics of four action-related behaviors. The findings suggest that action execution is most similar to concurrent action observation and motor imagery, while action execution is least similar to action observation. Most action types share similarities in at least one neurocognitive dimension, except for action-related language.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Federico Temporiti, Alessandra Calcagno, Stefania Coelli, Giorgia Marino, Roberto Gatti, Anna Maria Bianchi, Manuela Galli
Summary: Observation and imagination of actions can enhance the acquisition of motor skills, and early sleep after practice can further enhance motor learning. This study investigated the effects of early sleep after action observation and motor imagery training on manual dexterity learning, and found that early sleep following AO+MI-training resulted in significantly larger improvements in manual dexterity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chi-Hsian Lin, Frank J. H. Lu, Diane L. Gill, Ken Shih-Kuei Huang, Shu-Ching Wu, Yi-Hsiang Chiu
Summary: Motor imagery and action observation, when combined, can enhance motor performance. This study found that a combination of action observation and motor imagery performed in an asynchronous or progressive manner results in better golf putting performance and learning compared to synchronous combination. Further research is needed to determine the best way to combine action observation and motor imagery.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew W. Scott, Greg Wood, Paul S. Holmes, Ben Marshall, Jacqueline Williams, David J. Wright
Summary: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by poor motor coordination, and it can interfere with the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Combined action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) has been found to improve movement coordination in children with DCD. This study investigated the effectiveness of a home-based, parent-led AOMI intervention for learning ADLs in children with DCD.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Samantha Chye, Ashika Chembila Valappil, David J. Wright, Cornelia Frank, David A. Shearer, Christopher J. Tyler, Ceri E. Diss, Omar S. Mian, Neale A. Tillin, Adam M. Bruton
Summary: Motor simulation interventions involving AOMI have a positive effect on corticospinal excitability and motor skill performance, but no effect on MI. These results are important for the existing literature on motor simulation and skill acquisition.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Jongcheon Park, Seungyong Han, S. M. Lee
Summary: This paper proposes a new imitation learning algorithm based on observation, where the action of a robot manipulator is trained to mimic a demonstrator's behavior using restored actions. The trajectory is generated through a recurrent generative adversarial network, and the action is restored from the output of a tracking controller. The algorithm eliminates the need for accessing the demonstrator's action and achieves better learning performances.
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
S. Romano-Smith, J. W. Roberts, G. Wood, G. Coyles, C. J. Wakefield
Summary: Combining the motor simulation techniques of action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) has been shown to enhance motor performance. This study examined the involvement of lower-level sensorimotor processes in the improvement of a dart-throwing task using AOMI. Results showed that simultaneous and alternate congruent groups had significantly improved dart-throwing performance compared to control groups. This improvement was accompanied by lower EMG activity, suggesting greater movement efficiency. AOMI involves a common lower-level sensorimotor process that can lead to motor facilitation or interference, depending on the congruency of the simulation techniques, regardless of the delivery structure.
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Beatrice Rizzi, Christian Nuresi, Claudio Rovacchi, Massimo Bacchini, Federica Savi, Lucia Falco, Luca Schianchi, Augusto Scaglioni, Chiara Ciraci, Cosimo Costantino, Giovanni Buccino
Summary: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Action Observation Treatment (AOT) and Motor Imagery (MI) cognitive strategies, taken alone or combined, in Parkinson's disease patients.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Matthew W. Scott, Greg Wood, Paul S. Holmes, Jacqueline Williams, Ben Marshall, David J. Wright
Summary: The combination of action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) has been shown to be more effective than independent AO and MI, improving motor skill learning in children with DCD.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Judith Bek, Emma Gowen, Stefan Vogt, Trevor J. Crawford, Ellen Poliakoff
Summary: Observing human action influences movement aspects like duration or trajectory more strongly than non-biological stimuli, particularly during concurrent imitation. Despite producing slower and smaller movements overall, the PD group showed a similar pattern of imitation to controls across tasks and conditions.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elisabetta Sarasso, Federica Agosta, Noemi Piramide, Andrea Gardoni, Elisa Canu, Michela Leocadi, Veronica Castelnovo, Silvia Basaia, Andrea Tettamanti, Maria Antonietta Volonte, Massimo Filippi
Summary: Dual-task gait/balance training combined with action observation training and motor imagery can lead to improved mobility, balance, and executive functions in PD patients with postural instability and gait disorders. This combined training also promotes specific functional reorganization in brain areas involved in motor control, leading to long-lasting effects on dual-task mobility and balance.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhongpeng Wang, Lu Yang, Mengya Wang, Yijie Zhou, Long Chen, Bin Gu, Shuang Liu, Minpeng Xu, Feng He, Dong Ming
Summary: The study investigates the EEG activations induced by motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) in a brain-computer interface (BCI)-based motor rehabilitation feedback training system. The results show significant differences in sensorimotor activations between two groups of subjects, with the group with weaker MI achieving stronger activations in AO and the group with stronger MI achieving stronger activations in MI+AO. The findings provide insights into the EEG mechanism in different individuals and can help stroke patients choose appropriate motor training paradigms for their rehabilitation and treatment outcomes.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Naotsugu Kaneko, Hikaru Yokoyama, Yohei Masugi, Katsumi Watanabe, Kimitaka Nakazawa
Summary: Through neuroimaging studies, it has been found that action observation and motor imagery induce cortical activity related to execution of observed and imagined movements, and this activity may depend on observed or imagined phases. The combination of action observation and motor imagery may modulate cortical activity and induce phase dependent activation in the sensorimotor cortex during walking, even without any actual movements.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Karen Leneh Buckle, Kathy Leadbitter, Ellen Poliakoff, Emma Gowen
Summary: This study, led by an autistic researcher and called for by autistic individuals, is the first to delve into the concept of 'autistic inertia,' exploring difficulties in initiating tasks in real life settings outside of social interaction or experimental conditions. Through face-to-face and online focus groups, qualitative data was collected from 32 autistic adults, revealing themes such as descriptions of inertia, scaffolding for support, and the impact on day-to-day activities. The study highlights the profound effects of inertia on participants' lives and the need for further research to understand and support autistic inertia effectively.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Judith Bek, Bronagh Donahoe, Nuala Brady
Summary: The study shows that females are faster and more accurate in recognizing dynamic emotions compared to males, indicating that rapid processing of dynamic emotional expressions is strongly influenced by sex.
QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Emma Gowen, Laura Crane, Christine M. Falter-Wagner
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Emma Gowen, Ellen Poliakoff, Hayley Shepherd, Waltraud Stadler
Summary: This study found that autistic adults were slightly less accurate at predicting other people's actions compared to non-autistic adults, potentially due to slower simulation or a delayed onset of these processes.
Article
Ophthalmology
Ketan R. Parmar, Catherine S. Porter, Christine M. Dickinson, Emma Gowen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether autistic adults experience more anxiety when accessing eye examinations. Through the use of the Optometric Patient Anxiety Scale (OPAS), it was found that there was no significant difference in optometric anxiety levels between the autistic adult population and the general population. However, it is important to note that the assessment did not include some anxiety-provoking factors that have been indicated in previous studies.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ketan R. Parmar, Catherine S. Porter, Christine M. Dickinson, Peter Baimbridge, James Pelham, Emma Gowen
Summary: This research investigates the accessibility of eye examinations for autistic adults and provides suggestions for autism-friendly eyecare. The findings identify several barriers in the current eye examination process, including difficulties with booking appointments, sensory challenges in the practice environment, and anxiety induced by interactions with multiple staff members. Recommendations are presented to improve the accessibility and provide a more autism-friendly eyecare experience.
OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Experimental
Daniel Poole, Martin Casassus, Emma Gowen, Ellen Poliakoff, Luke A. Jones
Summary: The study aimed to investigate timing processes in autistic adults using scalar expectancy theory as a theoretical framework. The results showed comparable timing performance between autistic and nonautistic adults, indicating no clear evidence for reduced timing performance in autistic adults.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY-GENERAL
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Judith Bek, Stacey Humphries, Ellen Poliakoff, Nuala Brady
Summary: Motor imagery is a useful strategy for motor learning and performance, but it may be affected by ageing and neurodegeneration. This study found that older adults and individuals with Parkinson's disease showed poorer performance on a hand laterality task, particularly when judging laterality from the back view. These findings have implications for the use of motor imagery in rehabilitation protocols.
EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychology
Megan Rose Readman, Trevor J. Crawford, Sally A. Linkenauger, Judith Bek, Ellen Poliakoff
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between motor imagery vividness and symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The results showed that the severity of left side bradykinesia influenced the vividness of kinesthetic motor imagery. However, the severity of right side bradykinesia, tremor, and overall motor symptom severity did not predict the vividness of motor imagery.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Judith Bek, David Leventhal, Michelle Groves, Charlotte Growcott, Ellen Poliakoff
Summary: This study explores the experiences and potential benefits of digital dance participation among healthy older adults and people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The results show that at-home dance programs are accessible, engaging, and potentially beneficial for both groups. People with PD reported higher levels of motor outcomes than non-motor outcomes, while healthy older adults reported similar numbers of motor and non-motor outcomes. Although digital dance resources offer convenience and flexibility, participants miss the interaction, support, and routine provided by in-person classes. Most participants expressed a preference for both digital and in-person participation in the future. Qualitative analysis revealed that digital participation can help maintain connection and well-being.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Judith Bek, Merryn D. Constable, Matthew Hilchey, Timothy N. Welsh
Summary: Inhibition of return (IOR) refers to the phenomenon where response times are longer for stimuli presented at previously cued locations compared to uncued locations. While previous studies have implicated posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in IOR effects, the role of primary motor cortex (M1) has not been directly tested. This study investigated the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over M1 on manual IOR and found that TMS significantly affected IOR, suggesting the need for further research on the involvement of the motor system in manual IOR effects.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maria del Rosario Ferreira-Sanchez, Marcos Moreno-Verdu, Ellen Poliakoff, Zacarias Sanchez Mila, David Rodriguez Sanz, Raul Frutos Llanes, Jose Manuel Barragan Casas, Jorge Velazquez Saornil
Summary: This study examined the differences in the ability to create and maintain motor imagery (MI) between Parkinson's disease patients (PwPD) and healthy controls (HCs) and investigated the relationship between MI ability and motor function, independence, and quality of life. The findings indicate that PwPD retain the ability to create MI, but temporal accuracy may be affected by bradykinesia.
Article
Education, Special
Alexandra Sturrock, Hannah Guest, Graham Hanks, George Bendo, Christopher J. Plack, Emma Gowen
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth qualitative investigation into speech perception experiences in individuals with autism, revealing diverse and widespread listening difficulties. These difficulties, combined with other internal, interpersonal, and societal factors, have profound impacts. Lack of understanding of such difficulties appears to be a crucial exacerbating factor. Many autistic adults have developed coping strategies to lessen speech-perception difficulties, but these strategies are generally self-taught due to a lack of clinical support.
AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS
(2022)