1
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Eaves DL, Hodges NJ, Buckingham G, Buccino G, Vogt S. Enhancing motor imagery practice using synchronous action observation. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1891-1907. [PMID: 36574019 PMCID: PMC11315722 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01768-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss a variety of ways in which practising motor actions by means of motor imagery (MI) can be enhanced via synchronous action observation (AO), that is, by AO + MI. We review the available research on the (mostly facilitatory) behavioural effects of AO + MI practice in the early stages of skill acquisition, discuss possible theoretical explanations, and consider several issues related to the choice and presentation schedules of suitable models. We then discuss considerations related to AO + MI practice at advanced skill levels, including expertise effects, practical recommendations such as focussing attention on specific aspects of the observed action, using just-ahead models, and possible effects of the perspective in which the observed action is presented. In section "Coordinative AO + MI", we consider scenarios where the observer imagines performing an action that complements or responds to the observed action, as a promising and yet under-researched application of AO + MI training. In section "The dual action simulation hypothesis of AO + MI", we review the neurocognitive hypothesis that AO + MI practice involves two parallel action simulations, and we consider opportunities for future research based on recent neuroimaging work on parallel motor representations. In section "AO + MI training in motor rehabilitation", we review applications of AO, MI, and AO + MI training in the field of neurorehabilitation. Taken together, this evidence-based, exploratory review opens a variety of avenues for future research and applications of AO + MI practice, highlighting several clear advantages over the approaches of purely AO- or MI-based practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Eaves
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Nicola J Hodges
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gavin Buckingham
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Giovanni Buccino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele and Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefan Vogt
- Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
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2
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Grosprêtre S. Motor imagery from brain to muscle: a commentary on Bach et al., (2022). PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1805-1807. [PMID: 38285091 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01923-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
In a recent article entitled "Why motor imagery is not really motoric: towards a re-conceptualization in terms of effect-based action control", Bach et al. nicely renewed the concept of motor equivalence between actual movement and motor imagery (MI), i.e. the mental simulation of an action without its corresponding motor output. Their approach is largely based on behavioral studies and, to a lesser extent, on the literature using cerebral imagery. However, the literature on cortico-spinal circuitry modulation during MI can provide further, interesting aspects. Indeed, when it comes to addressing the motor system, one should consider the whole path from brain region to muscle contraction, including sub-cortical structures such as the spinal circuitry. This commentary aims at bridging this gap by providing supplemental evidence and outlining a complementary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidney Grosprêtre
- UR-4660, C3S Laboratory Culture, Sport, Health and Society, UFR STAPS, University of Franche-Comté, 31, Chemin de l'Epitaphe, 2500, Besançon, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, IUF, Paris, France.
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3
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Nalborczyk L, Longcamp M, Gajdos T, Servant M, Alario FX. Towards formal models of inhibitory mechanisms involved in motor imagery: a commentary on Bach et al. (2022). PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1810-1813. [PMID: 38214774 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
A vast body of research suggests that the primary motor cortex is involved in motor imagery. This raises the issue of inhibition: how is it possible for motor imagery not to lead to motor execution? Bach et al. (Psychol Res Psychol Forschung. 10.1007/s00426-022-01773-w, 2022, this issue) suggest that the motor execution threshold may be "upregulated" during motor imagery to prevent execution. Alternatively, it has been proposed that, in parallel to excitatory mechanisms, inhibitory mechanisms may be actively suppressing motor output during motor imagery. These theories are verbal in nature, with well-known limitations. Here, we describe a toy-model of the inhibitory mechanisms thought to be at play during motor imagery to start disentangling predictions from competing hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislas Nalborczyk
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRPN, Marseille, France.
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit, CEA DRF/I2BM, INSERM, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, NeuroSpin Center, Gif/Yvette, France.
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universites, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Paris, France.
| | | | | | - Mathieu Servant
- Univ Franche Comté, INSERM, LINC, Besançon, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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4
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Stadler W, Hermsdörfer J. Neuromuscular effects suggest that imagery engages motor components directly - a commentary on Frank et al. (2023). PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1846-1848. [PMID: 38483576 PMCID: PMC11315792 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-024-01943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waltraud Stadler
- Department Health and Sport Sciences, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Joachim Hermsdörfer
- Department Health and Sport Sciences, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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5
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Frank C, Guillot A, Vogt S. Imagery and motor learning: a special issue on the neurocognitive mechanisms of imagery and imagery practice of motor actions. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1785-1789. [PMID: 38940823 PMCID: PMC11315741 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-024-01982-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Human beings are able to imagine actions with the aim to change movement coordination and to learn particular movements. Meta-analyses to date have shown that when individuals systematically engage in imagery of a motor action without overt behavior this can improve motor performance and facilitate motor learning. Despite a considerable body of research in neuroscience, psychology, and sport science, however, there is at present no consensus on the neurocognitive mechanisms of imagery, and the mechanisms that lead to learning via imagined action are still being debated. In particular, the differences between imagined and overt action, and respective learning effects, remain to be fully explained. The present collection of manuscripts is a result of compiling both theoretical advances in the field of motor control and motor learning and those in imagery research to better understand imagery and learning. It is structured alongside five position papers from leading experts in the field, each of which is followed by a series of short commentaries written by experts from various disciplines. This collection demonstrates (a) that conceptualizations of imagery are manifold, vary highly and depend on the perspective chosen, (b) that existing approaches to the neurocognitive mechanisms of imagery and imagery practice of motor actions draw on distinct motor control and learning perspectives, (c) that perspectives from the wider fields of motor control and learning stimulate new approaches to explain imagery and imagery practice, (d) and that future research is needed to investigate and compare different perspectives and conceptualizations of the neurocognitive mechanisms of imagery and imagery practice of motor actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Frank
- Sports and Movement Research Group, Department of Sports and Movement Science, School of Educational and Cultural Studies, Osnabrück University, Jahnstraße 75, 49080, Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Aymeric Guillot
- Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Sciences, Universite Lyon 1, UCBL-Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, 7424, F-69622, UR, France
| | - Stefan Vogt
- Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YF, UK
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6
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Heuer H. Imagery practice of motor skills without conscious awareness?: a commentary to Frank et al. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1843-1845. [PMID: 38165421 PMCID: PMC11315770 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01907-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Modifications of imagined sensory consequences will not benefit overt performance when they cannot be transformed into motor outflow that produces them. With physical practice, the acquisition of internal models of motor transformations is largely based on prediction errors that are absent in imagery practice. What can imagery practice nevertheless contribute to transformation learning? Explicit, strategic adjustments to novel transformations should be possible. This appears less likely for implicit adjustments. Are there variants of imagery practice that can produce adjustments without conscious awareness of the transformation and/or the resultant movement changes?
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Heuer
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
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7
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Azaad S, Sebanz N. Potential benefits of synchronous action observation and motor imagery: a commentary on Eaves et al. 2022. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1908-1910. [PMID: 37947875 PMCID: PMC11315708 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In a recent Psychological Research article, Eaves et al. (2022) review the literature on how motor imagery (MI) practice combined with action observation (AO) enhances motor performance. The authors propose that the synchronous form of AO and MI (AOMI) affords unique benefits to performance that are not possible when the two interventions are performed asynchronously. We discuss three questions raised by Eaves et al.'s review: (1) are there any clear advantages to synchronous AOMI? (2) Are there super-additive benefits to AOMI, and if so, are they unique to synchronous AOMI? (3) How might coordinative AOMI, in which people imagine complementary actions, facilitate joint actions?
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O'Shea H, Bek J. The complex interplay between perception, cognition, and action: a commentary on Bach et al. 2022. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1814-1816. [PMID: 38294530 PMCID: PMC11315796 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01921-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Bach (Psychological Research 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-022-01773-w ) offer a re-conceptualisation of motor imagery, influenced by older ideas of ideomotor action and formulated in terms of action effects rather than motor output. We share the view of an essential role of action effect in action planning and motor imagery processes, but we challenge the claim that motor imagery is non-motoric in nature. In the present article, we critically review some of Bach et al.'s proposed ideas and pose questions of whether effect and motor processes are functionally separable, and if not, what mechanisms underlie motor imagery and what terminology best captures its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen O'Shea
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Judith Bek
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Hommel B. Exorcizing the homunculus from ideomotor/simulation theory: a commentary on Bach et al. (2022), Frank et al. (2023), and Rieger et al. (2023). PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1808-1809. [PMID: 38573357 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-024-01950-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Hommel
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
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10
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Frank C, Kraeutner SN, Rieger M, Boe SG. Learning motor actions via imagery-perceptual or motor learning? PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1820-1832. [PMID: 36680584 PMCID: PMC11315805 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01787-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It is well accepted that repeatedly imagining oneself acting without any overt behavior can lead to learning. The prominent theory accounting for why imagery practice is effective, motor simulation theory, posits that imagined action and overt action are functionally equivalent, the exception being activation of the end effector. If, as motor simulation theory states, one can compile the goal, plan, motor program and outcome of an action during imagined action similar to overt action, then learning of novel skills via imagery should proceed in a manner equivalent to that of overt action. While the evidence on motor simulation theory is both plentiful and diverse, it does not explicitly account for differences in neural and behavioural findings between imagined and overt action. In this position paper, we briefly review theoretical accounts to date and present a perceptual-cognitive theory that accounts for often observed outcomes of imagery practice. We suggest that learning by way of imagery reflects perceptual-cognitive scaffolding, and that this 'perceptual' learning transfers into 'motor' learning (or not) depending on various factors. Based on this theory, we characterize consistently reported learning effects that occur with imagery practice, against the background of well-known physical practice effects and show that perceptual-cognitive scaffolding is well-suited to explain what is being learnt during imagery practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Frank
- Department of Sports and Movement Science, School of Educational and Cultural Studies, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Sarah N Kraeutner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martina Rieger
- Institute for Psychology, UMIT Tirol - Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Shaun G Boe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, School of Physiotherapy, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
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11
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Rieger M, Boe SG, Ingram TGJ, Bart VKE, Dahm SF. A theoretical perspective on action consequences in action imagery: internal prediction as an essential mechanism to detect errors. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1849-1858. [PMID: 36961546 PMCID: PMC7616356 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Acting in the environment results in both intended and unintended consequences. Action consequences provide feedback about the adequacy of actions while they are in progress and when they are completed and therefore contribute to monitoring actions, facilitate error detection, and are crucial for motor learning. In action imagery, no actual action takes place, and consequently, no actual action consequences are produced. However, imagined action consequences may replace actual action consequences, serving a similar function and facilitating performance improvements akin to that occurring with actual actions. In this paper, we conceptualize action imagery as a simulation based on internal models. During that simulation, forward models predict action consequences. A comparison of predicted and intended action consequences sometimes indicates the occurrence of action errors (or deviations from optimal performance) in action imagery. We review research indicating that action errors are indeed sometimes imagined in action imagery. These results are compatible with the view that action imagery is based on motor simulation but incompatible with the view that action imagery is solely based on abstract knowledge. The outlined framework seems suitable to cover a wide range of action imagery phenomena and can explain action imagery practice effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Rieger
- Institute for Psychology, UMIT Tirol-Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Eduard Wallnöfer Zentrum 1, 6060, Hall in Tyrol, Austria.
| | - Shaun G Boe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tony G J Ingram
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Victoria K E Bart
- Institute for Psychology, UMIT Tirol-Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Eduard Wallnöfer Zentrum 1, 6060, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Stephan F Dahm
- Institute for Psychology, UMIT Tirol-Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Eduard Wallnöfer Zentrum 1, 6060, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
- Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Department of Psychology, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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Çiftçi MC, Yılmaz B. The effect of action observation and motor imagery on jumping and perceived performance. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1362976. [PMID: 39045444 PMCID: PMC11263293 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1362976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) are cognitive processes that involve mentally rehearsing and simulating movements without physically performing them. However, the need for the evidence to support influence of imagery on performance is increasing. This study aims to investigate the impact of combining motor imagery with action observation on athletes' performance and performance perception. Method Using a pre-test post-test design with a factorial setup, participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. A pre-research power analysis determined the sample size, resulting in 21 voluntary participants (10 male). Opto Jump device recorded drop jump performance measurements, while participants predicted their performance post-motor imagery and action observation practices. The experimental group underwent an 8-week AOMI intervention program, involving 24-minute motor imagery sessions during video observation thrice weekly. Post-test measurements were taken after the intervention. Results Results indicated no significant performance increase in the experimental group post-intervention, yet the group showed enhanced performance estimation following the video observation, but not in motor imagery condition. Conversely, this improvement was absent in the control group. Discussion Although AOMI intervention didn't enhance physical performance, it has positively affected athletes' perception toward their performance. The findings are discussed in relation to existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Cihat Çiftçi
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Sports Management, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Türkiye
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13
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Wilken S, Böttcher A, Adelhöfer N, Raab M, Beste C, Hoffmann S. Neural oscillations guiding action during effects imagery. Behav Brain Res 2024; 469:115063. [PMID: 38777262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Goal-directed acting requires the integration of sensory information but can also be performed without direct sensory input. Examples of this can be found in sports and can be conceptualized by feedforward processes. There is, however, still a lack of understanding of the temporal neural dynamics and neuroanatomical structures involved in such processes. In the current study, we used EEG beamforming methods and examined 37 healthy participants in two well-controlled experiments varying the necessity of anticipatory processes during goal-directed action. We found that alpha and beta activity in the medial and posterior cingulate cortex enabled feedforward predictions about the position of an object based on the latest sensorimotor state. On this basis, theta band activity seems more related to sensorimotor representations, while beta band activity would be more involved in setting up the structure of the neural representations themselves. Alpha band activity in sensory cortices reflects an intensified gating of the anticipated perceptual consequences of the to-be-executed action. Together, the findings indicate that goal-directed acting through the anticipation of the predicted state of an effector is based on accompanying processes in multiple frequency bands in midcingulate and sensory brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Wilken
- General Psychology: Judgment, Decision Making, & Action, Institute of Psychology, University of Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Adriana Böttcher
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; University Neuropsychology Center, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Nico Adelhöfer
- Donders Institute of Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Markus Raab
- Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany; School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; University Neuropsychology Center, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Shandong Normal University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Sven Hoffmann
- General Psychology: Judgment, Decision Making, & Action, Institute of Psychology, University of Hagen, Hagen, Germany.
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14
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Yamada M, Barclift AD, Raisbeck LD. The Effect of Motor Imagery Practice on an Aiming Task with Attentional Focus Cues. J Mot Behav 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38735557 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2024.2350721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
When one directs their attention to an intended effect (external focus of attention, EFOA), motor performance is generally better than when one directs their attention to their own body movements (internal focus of attention, IFOA). However, the effect of attentional focus is unclear when a skill is practiced through motor imagery (MI) in the absence of physical trials. Participants (N = 30, M = 22.33 yrs, SD = 2.69) in the present study completed three physical trials of a reciprocal aiming task before and (24-h) after MI practice. During MI practice, the EFOA (n = 15) and IFOA (n = 15) groups mentally practiced the task with no physical practice with EFOA-MI or IFOA-MI, respectively, for three consecutive days. Our results showed that both groups significantly improved in accuracy (F1,28 = 6.49, p = .017), supporting the benefit of MI in motor skill acquisition. However, a significant effect of attentional focus was not observed (F1.,28 = 0.445, p = 0.51). We discussed two potential explanations: EFOA/IFOA requires physical trials to affect performance, or individuals must use both EFOA and IFOA in the process of creating imagery of the environment and movements, which may obscure the effect of EFOA and IFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Yamada
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Neuroplasticity & Motor Behavior Lab, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, Whittier College, Whittier, California, USA
| | - Amanda D Barclift
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Louisa D Raisbeck
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Dahm SF, Sachse P. Let's do it: Response times in Mental Paper Folding and its execution. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024:17470218241249727. [PMID: 38616184 DOI: 10.1177/17470218241249727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Action imagery is the ability to mentally simulate the execution of an action without physically performing it. Action imagery is assumed to rely at least partly on similar mechanisms as action execution. Therefore, we expected that imagery and execution durations would be constrained by the number of folds in a Paper Folding Task. Analogously, individual differences in execution durations were expected to be reflected in imagery durations. Twenty-eight participants performed two imagery conditions (computer vs. paper) and one execution condition (paper) where two-dimensional grids of a three-dimensional cube were (mentally) folded to determine whether two selected edges overlapped or not. As expected, imagery performance and execution performance were strongly correlated and decreased with the number of folds. Further, the number of folds influenced imagery durations even more than execution durations. This may be due to the additional cognitive load in imagery that emerges when tracking the folds to follow up with the next ones. The results indicate that Mental Paper Folding predominantly involves dynamic visual representations that are not functionally associated with one's own movements as in action imagery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Frederic Dahm
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Pierre Sachse
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Kotegawa K, Kuroda N, Sakata J, Teramoto W. Association between visuo-spatial working memory and gait motor imagery. Hum Mov Sci 2024; 94:103185. [PMID: 38320427 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2024.103185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Although motor imagery and working memory (WM) appear to be closely linked, no previous studies have demonstrated direct evidence for the relationship between motor imagery and WM abilities. This study investigated the association between WM and gait motor imagery and focused on the individual differences in young adults. This study included 33 participants (mean age: 22.2 ± 0.9 years). We used two methods to measure the ability of different WM domains: verbal and visuo-spatial WM. Gait motor imagery accuracy was assessed via the mental chronometry paradigm. We measured the times participants took to complete an actual and imagined walk along a 5 m walkway, with three different path widths. The linear mixed effects model analysis revealed that visuo-spatial WM ability was a significant predictor of the accuracy of gait motor imagery, but not of verbal WM ability. Specifically, individuals with lower visuo-spatial WM ability demonstrated more inaccuracies in the difficult path-width conditions. However, gait motor imagery was not as accurate as actual walking even in the easiest path width or in participants with high visuo-spatial WM ability. Further, visuo-spatial WM ability was significantly correlated with mental walking but not with actual walking. These results suggest that visuo-spatial WM is related to motor imagery rather than actual movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Kotegawa
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi, Kumamoto 861-5598, Japan.
| | - Naoki Kuroda
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kumamoto University, 2-40-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Junya Sakata
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical Corporation Tanakakai, Musashigaoka Hospital, 7-15-1 Kusunoki, Kumamoto 861-8003, Japan
| | - Wataru Teramoto
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kumamoto University, 2-40-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
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Cuenca-Martínez F, Suso-Martí L, Peréz-Domínguez B, Calatayud J, López-Bueno R, Gargallo P, Blanco-Díaz M, Casaña J. Movement Representation Strategies as a Tool for Educational Innovation in Physiotherapy Students: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled-Pilot Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4473. [PMID: 36901484 PMCID: PMC10001722 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Physiotherapy has a strictly theoretical body of knowledge, but for the most part, the physiotherapist's learning is practical. The practical part is fundamental to acquire clinical skills that the physiotherapist will later use in professional practice. The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of movement representation strategies (MRS) in the improvement of manual skills of physiotherapy students as an educational innovation strategy. We randomly assigned 30 participants to an action observation practice (AOP), motor imagery practice (MIP), or sham observation (SO) group. A high velocity, low amplitude lumbar manipulation technique that is widely used in clinical physiotherapy practice was taught in one session. The primary outcomes were required time and test score. The secondary outcomes were perceived mental fatigue and perceived difficulty for learning. The outcomes were assessed preintervention and immediately after the intervention (postintervention). The main results showed that both AOP and MIP improved the total time required and the test score, as well as entailed less perceived difficulty for learning. However, both strategies showed a higher level of mental fatigue after the intervention, which was higher in the MIP group. Based on the results obtained, it seems that the application of MRS promotes greater learning of manual motor tasks in physiotherapy students and could be used as educational innovation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Suso-Martí
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Borja Peréz-Domínguez
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rubén López-Bueno
- Department of Physical Medicine and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pedro Gargallo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Catholic University of Valencia, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Blanco-Díaz
- Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - José Casaña
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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