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
Neurosciences
Fabio Castro, Paulina Anna Bryjka, Giovanni Di Pino, Aleksandra Vuckovic, Alexander Nowicky, Daniel Bishop
Summary: The study looked into how sonification affects the simultaneous use of action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) strategies. The results indicate that sonification does not influence the effectiveness of AOMI for motor learning in simple tasks.
BRAIN AND COGNITION
(2021)
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
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)
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
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
Rehabilitation
Dylan Rannaud Monany, Charalambos Papaxanthis, Aymeric Guillot, Florent Lebon
Summary: This narrative review discusses the contributions of motor imagery and action observation to sports rehabilitation, aiming to maintain and promote the recovery of motor function by activating the neural and muscular systems. The study found that combined protocols of motor imagery and action observation can be applied during and after injury, and have positive effects on recovering injured athletes.
ANNALS OF PHYSICAL AND REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2022)
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
Clinical Neurology
Elisabetta Sarasso, Andrea Gardoni, Lucia Zenere, Elisa Canu, Silvia Basaia, Elisa Pelosin, Maria Antonietta Volonte, Massimo Filippi, Federica Agosta
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of action observation and MI training (AOT-MI) on MI abilities and brain function in PD-PIGD patients. The results showed that AOT-MI improved MI skills in PD-PIGD patients and promoted the functional plasticity of brain areas involved in MI processes and gait/balance control.
PARKINSONISM & RELATED DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jack Aaron Binks, Jonathan Reyes Emerson, Matthew William Scott, Christopher Wilson, Paul van Schaik, Daniel Lloyd Eaves
Summary: In this study, the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery therapy on upper-limb recovery in chronic stroke survivors were investigated. The results showed that AO + MI therapy significantly reduced movement execution times and improved quality of life. The therapy was also positively received by the participants. Therefore, AO + MI therapy could serve as an effective adjunct for neurorehabilitation in patients who are unable to engage in physical training.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Experimental
David J. Wright, Paul S. Holmes
Summary: This review paper (Eaves et al., Psychological Research Psychologische Forschung, 2022) presents a positive behavioral effect of AOMI interventions. However, recent studies suggest that AOMI may not have more benefits compared to independent MI and may not provide additional benefits beyond physical practice for certain tasks. The paper discusses the evidence supporting AOMI as a suitable and appealing action simulation form and suggests further research on the discrete states of AOMI using a more continuum-based approach.
PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH-PSYCHOLOGISCHE FORSCHUNG
(2023)
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
Psychology, Experimental
M. Emanuele, G. Nazzaro, M. Marini, C. Veronesi, S. Boni, G. Polletta, A. D'Ausilio, L. Fadiga
Summary: This study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have impaired coordination and synergies in motor control, which may contribute to difficulties in movement control and are related to the severity of socio-communicative symptoms.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Maria Vomero, Francesca Ciarpella, Elena Zucchini, Matthias Kirsch, Luciano Fadiga, Thomas Stieglitz, Maria Asplund
Summary: Flexible neural implants are an ideal strategy for promoting probe-tissue integration. The mechanical mismatch between the probe and brain tissue plays a critical role in long-term tissue integration. Polyimide material is well tolerated by the tissue, and a holistic design considering material properties, geometrical dimensions, and assembling techniques is key for longevity and long-term performance of intracortical probes.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michele Bianchi, Anna De Salvo, Maria Asplund, Stefano Carli, Michele Di Lauro, Andreas Schulze-Bonhage, Thomas Stieglitz, Luciano Fadiga, Fabio Biscarini
Summary: Researchers in the fields of neuroscience, materials science, and nanotechnology are working together to design and manufacture neural interfaces that enable bidirectional communication with the central nervous system. Conductive polymers are attractive materials for sensing/stimulating electrodes due to their unique properties. This review focuses on the latest advancements in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-based neural interfaces for extracellular recording and stimulation, highlighting the most reliable solutions and identifying future trends in the field.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Giovanna Varni, Maurizio Mancini, Luciano Fadiga, Antonio Camurri, Gualtiero Volpe
Summary: This study investigates how a change in a strategic core role within a group affects interpersonal coordination and group effectiveness. Using an orchestra as the research context, the study measures the impact of a change in conductor on entrainment between players, as well as the relationship between entrainment and external ratings of orchestra performance.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michele Di Lauro, Elena Zucchini, Anna De Salvo, Emanuela Delfino, Michele Bianchi, Mauro Murgia, Stefano Carli, Fabio Biscarini, Luciano Fadiga
Summary: This study presents a novel operational mode, the common-drain/grounded-source configuration, for electrolyte-gated organic transistors to address the safety and stability issues in clinical settings. The configuration achieves maximum signal amplification while applying null net bias across the electrolyte, with no parasitic currents. The viability of this configuration is demonstrated by recording in vivo the somatosensory evoked activity in rats.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alice Tomassini, Julien Laroche, Marco Emanuele, Giovanni Nazzaro, Nicola Petrone, Luciano Fadiga, Alessandro D'Ausilio
Summary: Coordination in human behavior exists not only at the macroscopic level but also at the microscopic level of interactions. This research reveals that interpersonal coordination is achieved through mutual adaptation and synchronization of the dynamics of action-perception cycles.
Review
Clinical Neurology
A. Giustiniani, A. Vallesi, M. Oliveri, V. Tarantino, E. Ambrosini, M. Bortoletto, F. Masina, P. Busan, H. R. Siebner, L. Fadiga, G. Koch, L. Leocani, J. P. Lefaucheur, A. Rotenberg, A. Zangen, I. R. Violante, V. Moliadze, O. L. Gamboa, Y. Ugawa, A. Pascual-Leone, U. Ziemann, C. Miniussi, F. Burgio
Summary: The study aimed to develop a questionnaire, named TMSens_Q, for reporting unintended effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The Delphi procedure was used to reach consensus among TMS experts, and the questionnaire was publicized for further input. The structured TMS questionnaire and standardized reporting will enhance the safety monitoring of TMS and improve data collection quality and interpretation of experimental findings.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Lunghi, Anna Mariano, Michele Bianchi, Nikita Bhupesh Dinger, Mauro Murgia, Eliana Rondanina, Andrea Toma, Pierpaolo Greco, Michele Di Lauro, Francesca Santoro, Luciano Fadiga, Fabio Biscarini
Summary: This study presents a straightforward approach for fabricating soft interfaces featuring 3D PEDOT:PSS micropillars on a flexible substrate. The 3D micropillars show increased capacitance compared to planar electrodes and support cell adhesion, growth, and influence neurite outgrowth direction. Soft micropillars also act as excellent anchoring loci for elongating neurites, increasing the contact points between cells and electrodes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Marco Emanuele, Giovanni Polletta, Maddalena Marini, Luciano Fadiga
Summary: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by visible motor impairments from early life. This narrative review explores the literature on motor control and sensorimotor impairments in DCD and proposes the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a tool to investigate the neural correlates of motor impairments in DCD research.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Gaia Risso, Michela Bassolino
Summary: The study highlights the complexity of individuals' perception and experience of their own bodies, as well as the potential contribution of (neuro)robotics in understanding and modulating body representations (BRs). It discusses the use of robotics devices to improve the assessment of motor, haptic, and multisensory information that contribute to BRs. Moreover, it reviews evidence showing how (neuro)robotics-based sensory stimulation can help reduce distortions in BRs in different clinical conditions.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROROBOTICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sonia Guzzo, Pasquale De Bonis, Barbara Pavan, Luciano Fadiga
Summary: In this study, a new procedure was established to preserve the in vitro viability of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) for building in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier. The addition of 10 nM beta-estaradiol 17-acetate to the hBMEC culture medium was found to be essential for promoting adhesion and proliferation of these cells. The cryopreserved hBMECs remained viable and suitable for re-freezing and storage for several months, offering potential as biomimetic therapeutic tools.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Behavioral Sciences
Michela Bassolino, Cristina Becchio
TRENDS IN COGNITIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marco Franceschini, Marco Ottaviani, Paola Romano, Michela Goffredo, Sanaz Pournajaf, Margherita Lofrumento, Stefania Proietti, Irma Sterpi, Enrica Tricomi, Peppino Tropea, Massimo Corbo, Luciano Fadiga, Francesco Infarinato
Summary: This study analyzed electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings in stroke patients during the observation of different videos of task-specific upper limb movements, and found that the observation of finalized arm movements can elicit the strongest activation of the Mirror Neuron System (MNS) in chronic stroke patients. This finding may contribute to the design of future AOT-based stroke rehabilitation protocols.
NEUROREHABILITATION AND NEURAL REPAIR
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michela Bassolino, Matteo Franza, Eleonora Guanziroli, Giuliana Sorrentino, Elisa Canzoneri, Maria Colombo, Andrea Crema, Tommaso Bertoni, Giulio Mastria, Matteo Vissani, Arseny A. Sokolov, Silvestro Micera, Franco Molteni, Olaf Blanke, Andrea Serino
Summary: The study reveals distortions in body perception dimensions, representation of peripersonal space, and explicit feelings towards the affected limb in post-stroke chronic patients with upper limb sensorimotor deficits. These findings motivate quantitative assessments of body perception even in later phases after stroke.
BRAIN COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Andrea Crema, Michela Bassolino, Eleonora Guanziroli, Maria Colombo, Olaf Blanke, Andrea Serino, Silvestro Micera, Franco Molteni
Summary: This study found that the new neuromuscular electrical stimulation system (HH) and robotic glove (GR) showed significant efficacy in restoring motor and sensory functions in stroke patients. HH had an earlier benefit compared to GR and maintained improvement even after treatment. HH also improved perceived dimensions and altered feeling toward the affected limb. The findings suggest that HH can stimulate both sensory and motor systems by generating enhanced cutaneous sensation, leading to improved sensorimotor functions and bodily perceptions in stroke patients.