6533b82efe1ef96bd129345e
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Improvement of motor performance by observational training in elderly people.
Christos PaizisYves BallayBanty TiaCyril SirandréThierry PozzoThierry Pozzosubject
Malemedicine.medical_specialtyRehabilitationGeneral Neurosciencemedicine.medical_treatmentMovementMotion PerceptionHuman factors and ergonomicsPoison controlWalkingAction (philosophy)Feedback SensoryPractice PsychologicalInjury preventionTask Performance and AnalysismedicineMental representationPhysical therapyImaginationHumansObservational studyFemaleDuration (project management)PsychologyAgeddescription
Action observation influences action execution; this strong coupling is underlined by an overlap of cortical areas activated during observation and execution of action, and is dependent of specific motor experience. The goal of the present study was to verify if action observation can be used for rehabilitation of elderly people. We tested this question with a protocol of observational practice of 2 frequently used movements: walking and sit-to-stand/back-to-sit. Both tasks were performed at normal and maximal speed before and after training, by 8 elderly subjects. Observational practice led to an increase in walking velocity via an increase in step frequency, but without modification of step length. In addition, we noted a reduction in BTS duration, but no modification of STS duration. These results highlight the fact that observational practice induces a reactivation in mental representation of action, and may lead to better movement control. Overall, observational practice offers interesting perspectives for rehabilitation of elderly people.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-04-16 | Neuroscience letters |