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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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2
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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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3
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Mandolesi L, Passarello N, Lucidi F. Differences in motor imagery abilities in active and sedentary individuals: new insights from backward-walking imagination. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:499-508. [PMID: 37773349 PMCID: PMC10858124 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01876-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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Evidence has shown that imagining a complex action, like backward-walking, helps improve the execution of the gesture. Despite this, studies in sport psychology have provided heterogeneous results on the use of motor imagery (MI) to improve performance. We aimed to fill this gap by analyzing how sport experience influences backward-walking MI processes in a sample of young women (n = 41, mean age = 21 ± 2.2) divided into Active and Sedentary. All participants were allocated to two randomized mental chronometric tasks, in which they had first to imagine and then execute forward-walking (FW) and backward-walking (BW). The Isochrony Efficiency measured the difference between imagination and execution times in both conditions (FW and BW). Moreover, we analyzed the ability to vividly imagine FW and BW within various perspectives in both groups through the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire (VMIQ-2). Findings showed that active individuals performed better in the BW imagery task when compared to sedentary ones (F1,39 = 4.98; p = 0.03*), while there were no differences between groups in the FW imagery task (F1,39 = .10; p = 0.75). Further, VMIQ-2 had evidenced that the ability to imagine backward is influenced by perspective used. Specifically, the use of internal visual imagery (IVI) led to worse Isochrony Efficiency (t32,25 = 2.16; p = 0.04*), while the use of kinesthetic imagery (KIN) led to better Isochrony Efficiency (t32,25 = - 2.34; p = 0.03*). These results suggest a close relation between motor experience and complex motor imagery processes and open new insights for studying these mental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mandolesi
- Department of Humanities, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Porta Di Massa, 1, 80133, Naples, Italy.
| | - Noemi Passarello
- Department of Humanities, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Porta Di Massa, 1, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Lucidi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Binks JA, Wilson CJ, Van Schaik P, Eaves DL. Motor learning without physical practice: The effects of combined action observation and motor imagery practice on cup-stacking speed. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 68:102468. [PMID: 37665909 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study we explored training effects for combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) instructions on a complex cup-stacking task, without physical practice. Using a Graeco-Latin Square design, we randomly assigned twenty-six participants into four groups. This counterbalanced the within-participant factor of practice condition (AO + MI, AO, MI, Control) across four cup-stacking tasks, which varied in their complexity. On each of the three consecutive practice days participants experienced twenty trials under each of the three mental practice conditions. On each trial, a first-person perspective video depicted bilateral cup-stacking performed by an experienced model. During AO, participants passively observed this action, responding only to occasional colour cues. For AO + MI, participants imagined performing the observed action and synchronised their concurrent MI with the display. For MI, a sequence of pictures cued imagery of each stage of the task. Analyses revealed a significant main effect of practice condition both at the 'surprise' post-test (Day 3) and at the one-week retention test. At both time points movement execution times were significantly shorter for AO + MI compared with AO, MI and the Control. Execution times were also shorter overall at the retention compared with the post-test. These results demonstrate that a complex novel motor task can be acquired without physical training. Practitioners can therefore use AO + MI practice to supplement physical practice and optimise skill learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Binks
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
| | - C J Wilson
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - P Van Schaik
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - D L Eaves
- Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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5
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Jessey TB, Lin B, Subramanium SV, Kraeutner SN. Disrupting somatosensory processing impairs motor execution but not motor imagery. Hum Mov Sci 2023; 90:103101. [PMID: 37247540 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2023.103101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
While motor imagery (MI) is thought to be 'functionally equivalent' with motor execution (ME), the equivalence of feedforward and feedback mechanisms between the two modalities is unexplored. Here, we tested the equivalence of these mechanisms between MI and ME via two experiments designed to probe the role of somatosensory processing (Exp 1), and cognitive processing (Exp 2). All participants were engaged in a previously established force-matching task adapted for MI. A reference force was applied (on scale of 1-10, with higher numbers indicative of greater force) to one index finger while participants matched the force with their opposite index finger via ME or MI (control conditions). Participants then rated the force on the same scale of 1-10. Exp 1: Participants (N = 27) performed the task with tactile stimulation (ME+TAC, MI+TAC) in addition to control conditions. Exp 2: Participants (N = 26) performed the task in dual-task conditions (ME+COG, MI+COG) in addition to control conditions. Results indicate that (Exp 1) tactile stimulation impaired performance in ME but not MI. Dual-task conditions (Exp 2) were not shown to impair performance in either practice modality. Findings suggest that while somatosensory processing is critical for ME, it is not for MI. Overall we indicate a functional equivalence between feedforward/back mechanisms in MI and ME may not exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarri B Jessey
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Beier Lin
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Soumyaa V Subramanium
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah N Kraeutner
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T1Z3, British Columbia, Canada.
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Moreno-Verdú M, Ferreira-Sánchez MDR, Martín-Casas P, Atín-Arratibel MÁ. Imagined Timed Up and Go test (iTUG) in people with Parkinson's Disease: test-retest reliability and validity. Disabil Rehabil 2023:1-11. [PMID: 36890615 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2185688] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the test-retest reliability and validity of the Imagined Timed Up and Go Test (iTUG) as a Motor Imagery measure of temporal accuracy in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive study was conducted following the GRRAS recommendations. Thirty-two people with idiopathic, mild to moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr I-III), without cognitive impairment (MMSE ≥ 24), were assessed twice (7-15 days apart) with the iTUG. The absolute unadjusted difference in seconds, and the absolute adjusted difference as percentage of estimation error, between real and imagined TUG times, were calculated as outcome measures. Test-retest reliability was assessed using a two-way mixed-effects model of the ICC. Construct validity was tested with the Imagined Box and Blocks Test (iBBT) and convergent validity with clinical characteristics of PD, using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS The ICC for the unadjusted and adjusted measures of the iTUG was ICC = 0.61 and ICC = 0.55, respectively. Correlations between iTUG and iBBT were not statistically significant. The iTUG was partially correlated to clinical characteristics of PD. CONCLUSIONS Test-retest reliability of the iTUG was moderate. Construct validity between iTUG and iBBT was poor, so caution should be taken when using them concurrently to assess imagery's temporal accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Moreno-Verdú
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical Therapy, Madrid Parkinson Association, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
- Brain Injury and Movement Disorders Neurorehabilitation Group (GINDAT), Institute of Life Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - María Del Rosario Ferreira-Sánchez
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiotherapy, Catholic University of Avila, Avila, Spain
| | - Patricia Martín-Casas
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Atín-Arratibel
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Binks JA, Emerson JR, Scott MW, Wilson C, van Schaik P, Eaves DL. Enhancing upper-limb neurorehabilitation in chronic stroke survivors using combined action observation and motor imagery therapy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1097422. [PMID: 36937513 PMCID: PMC10017546 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1097422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For people who have had a stroke, recovering upper-limb function is a barrier to independence. When movement is difficult, mental practice can be used to complement physical therapy. In this within-participants study we investigated the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) therapy on upper-limb recovery in chronic stroke survivors. Methods A Graeco-Latin Square design was used to counterbalance four mental practice conditions (AO + MI, AO, MI, Control) across four cup-stacking tasks of increasing complexity. Once a week, for five consecutive weeks, participants (n = 10) performed 16 mental practice trials under each condition. Each trial displayed a 1st person perspective of a cup-stacking task performed by an experienced model. For AO, participants watched each video and responded to an occasional color cue. For MI, participants imagined the effort and sensation of performing the action; cued by a series of still-images. For combined AO + MI, participants observed a video of the action while they simultaneously imagined performing the same action in real-time. At three time points (baseline; post-test; two-week retention test) participants physically executed the three mentally practiced cup-stacking tasks, plus a fourth unpractised sequence (Control), as quickly and accurately as possible. Results Mean movement execution times were significantly reduced overall in the post-test and the retention test compared to baseline. At retention, movement execution times were significantly shorter for combined AO + MI compared to both MI and the Control. Individual participants reported clinically important changes in quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale) and positive qualitative experiences of AO + MI (social validation). Discussion These results indicate that when physical practice is unsuitable, combined AO + MI therapy could offer an effective adjunct for neurorehabilitation in chronic stroke survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Aaron Binks
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Reyes Emerson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Allied Health Professions, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christopher Wilson
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Paul van Schaik
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Lloyd Eaves
- Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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8
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Modality of Practice Modulates Resting State Connectivity During Motor Learning. Neurosci Lett 2022; 781:136659. [PMID: 35483502 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136659] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
When bookending skilled motor practice, changes in resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI; used to characterise synchronized patterns of activity when the brain is at rest) reflect functional reorganization that supports motor memory consolidation and learning. Despite its use in practice in numerous domains, the neural mechanisms underlying motor memory consolidation and learning that result from motor imagery practice (MIP) relative to physical practice are not well understood. The current study examined how rs-fMRI is modulated by skilled motor practice that results through either MIP or physical practice. Two groups of participants engaged in five days of MIP or physical practice of a dart throwing task. Performance and rs-fMRI were captured before and after training. Relative to physical practice, where focal changes in rs-fMRI within a cerebellar-cortical network were observed, MIP stimulated widespread changes in rs-fMRI within a frontoparietal network encompassing bilateral regions. Findings indicate that functional reorganization that supports motor memory consolidation and learning is not equivalent across practice modality. Ultimately, this work provides new information regarding the unique neural underpinnings MIP relies on to drive motor memory consolidation and learning.
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Di Rienzo F, Joassy P, Ferreira Dias Kanthack T, Moncel F, Mercier Q, Collet C, Guillot A. Stabilometric Correlates of Motor and Motor Imagery Expertise. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 15:741709. [PMID: 35095444 PMCID: PMC8792864 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.741709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor Imagery (MI) reproduces cognitive operations associated with the actual motor preparation and execution. Postural recordings during MI reflect somatic motor commands targeting peripheral effectors involved in balance control. However, how these relate to the actual motor expertise and may vary along with the MI modality remains debated. In the present experiment, two groups of expert and non-expert gymnasts underwent stabilometric assessments while performing physically and mentally a balance skill. We implemented psychometric measures of MI ability, while stabilometric variables were calculated from the center of pressure (COP) oscillations. Psychometric evaluations revealed greater MI ability in experts, specifically for the visual modality. Experts exhibited reduced surface COP oscillations in the antero-posterior axis compared to non-experts during the balance skill (14.90%, 95% CI 34.48–4.68, p < 0.05). Experts further exhibited reduced length of COP displacement in the antero-posterior axis and as a function of the displacement area during visual and kinesthetic MI compared to the control condition (20.51%, 95% CI 0.99–40.03 and 21.85%, 95% CI 2.33–41.37, respectively, both p < 0.05). Predictive relationships were found between the stabilometric correlates of visual MI and physical practice of the balance skill, as well as between the stabilometric correlates of kinesthetic MI and the training experience in experts. Present results provide original stabilometric insights into the relationships between MI and expertise level. While data support the incomplete inhibition of postural commands during MI, whether postural responses during MI of various modalities mirror the level of motor expertise remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Di Rienzo
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
- *Correspondence: Franck Di Rienzo
| | - Pierric Joassy
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Thiago Ferreira Dias Kanthack
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - François Moncel
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Quentin Mercier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Christian Collet
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Aymeric Guillot
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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Sugino H, Ushiyama J. Gymnasts' Ability to Modulate Sensorimotor Rhythms During Kinesthetic Motor Imagery of Sports Non-specific Movements Superior to Non-gymnasts. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:757308. [PMID: 34805979 PMCID: PMC8600039 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.757308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous psychological studies using questionnaires have consistently reported that athletes have superior motor imagery ability, both for sports-specific and for sports-non-specific movements. However, regarding motor imagery of sports-non-specific movements, no physiological studies have demonstrated differences in neural activity between athletes and non-athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in sensorimotor rhythms during kinesthetic motor imagery (KMI) of sports-non-specific movements between gymnasts and non-gymnasts. We selected gymnasts as an example population because they are likely to have particularly superior motor imagery ability due to frequent usage of motor imagery, including KMI as part of daily practice. Healthy young participants (16 gymnasts and 16 non-gymnasts) performed repeated motor execution and KMI of sports-non-specific movements (wrist dorsiflexion and shoulder abduction of the dominant hand). Scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded over the contralateral sensorimotor cortex. During motor execution and KMI, sensorimotor EEG power is known to decrease in the α- (8–15 Hz) and β-bands (16–35 Hz), referred to as event-related desynchronization (ERD). We calculated the maximal peak of ERD both in the α- (αERDmax) and β-bands (βERDmax) as a measure of changes in corticospinal excitability. αERDmax was significantly greater in gymnasts, who subjectively evaluated their KMI as being more vivid in the psychological questionnaire. On the other hand, βERDmax was greater in gymnasts only for shoulder abduction KMI. These findings suggest gymnasts' signature of flexibly modulating sensorimotor rhythms with no movements, which may be the basis of their superior ability of KMI for sports-non-specific movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Sugino
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Junichi Ushiyama
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Abstract
Neurofeedback (NF) is a versatile non-invasive neuromodulation technique. In combination with motor imagery (MI), NF has considerable potential for enhancing motor performance or supplementing motor rehabilitation. However, not all users achieve reliable NF control. While research has focused on various brain signal properties and the optimisation of signal processing to solve this issue, the impact of context, i.e. the conditions in which NF motor tasks occur, is comparatively unknown. We review current research on the impact of context on MI NF and related motor domains. We identify long-term factors that act at the level of the individual or of the intervention, and short-term factors, with levels before/after and during a session. The reviewed literature indicates that context plays a significant role. We propose considering context factors as well as within-level and across-level interactions when studying MI NF.
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12
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Gaughan TCLS, Boe SG. Investigating the dose-response relationship between motor imagery and motor recovery of upper-limb impairment and function in chronic stroke: A scoping review. J Neuropsychol 2021; 16:54-74. [PMID: 34396708 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12261] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The recovery of upper-limb impairment and dysfunction post-stroke is often incomplete owing to the limited time in therapy focused on upper-limb recovery and the severity of the impairment. In these cases, motor imagery (MI) may be used as a precursor to physical therapies to initiate rehabilitation early on when it would be otherwise impossible to engage in therapy, as well as to increase the dose of therapy when MI is used in adjunct to physical therapy. While previous reviews have shown MI to be effective as a therapeutic option, disparity in findings exists, with some studies suggesting MI is not an effective treatment for post-stroke impairment and dysfunction. One factor contributing to these findings is inconsistency in the dose of MI applied. To explore the relationship between MI dose and recovery, a scoping review of MI literature as a treatment for adult survivors of stroke with chronic upper-limb motor deficit was performed. Embase, Medline and CINHAL databases were searched for articles related to MI and stroke. Following a two-phase review process, 21 papers were included, and data related to treatment dose and measures of impairment and function were extracted. Effect sizes were calculated to investigate the effect of dosage on motor recovery. Findings showed a high degree of variability in dosage regimens across studies, with no clear pattern for the effect of dose on outcome. The present review highlights the gaps in MI literature, including variables that contribute to the dose-response relationship, that future studies should consider when implementing MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa C L S Gaughan
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shaun G Boe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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13
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Yin XJ, Wang YJ, Ding XD, Shi TM. Effects of motor imagery training on lower limb motor function of patients with chronic stroke: A pilot single-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Nurs Pract 2021; 28:e12933. [PMID: 33837986 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of motor imagery training on lower limb motor function of stroke patients. BACKGROUND Motor imagery training has played an important role in rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients. METHODS In this pilot randomized controlled trial 32 stroke patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups from January to June 2017. Patients in both groups received conventional neuro-rehabilitation five times a week in 3-h segments for 6 weeks. Patients in the experimental group underwent an additional 20 min of motor imagery training. Measures were evaluated by motor function of the lower extremity, activities of daily living and balance ability. RESULTS The outcomes significantly improved by motor imagery training were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the lower extremity, the Functional Independence Measure dealing with transfers and locomotion, and the Berg Balance Scale. CONCLUSION Motor imagery training could be used as a complement to physical rehabilitation of stroke patients. Our findings may be helpful to develop nursing strategies aimed at improving functional ability of stroke patients and thus enhancing their quality of life. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about this topic? Lower extremity dyskinesia is among the most common complications that significantly limit the patient's activities of daily living. Motor imagery training, a safe and cost-efficient technique, may be used as a complement to physical rehabilitation of stroke patients. Evidence suggests that motor imagery training is effective in upper limb recovery after stroke. There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of motor imagery training on lower limb motor functions of patients with chronic stroke. What this paper adds? Motor imagery training can be incorporated into conventional therapy among individuals by rehabilitation specialist nurses with sufficient experience of motor imagery training, but substantial resources are needed. Six-week motor imagery training resulted in a significant improvement in the motor performance of lower limbs in patients with stroke. Further study is needed to modify and optimize the present programme and should be focused on enabling more stroke patients to benefit from motor imagery training. The implications of this paper: The addition of motor imagery training to the conventional neuro-rehabilitation can significantly promote the recovery of motor performance of lower limbs in stroke patients, thus reducing long-term disability and associated socio-economic burden. The findings of this pilot study may be helpful to develop nursing strategies aimed at improving functional ability and consequently the quality of life of stroke patients. Nurses can learn the motor imagery training as a technique for practising psychomotor nursing skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Yin
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Jiao Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Di Ding
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Ming Shi
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Kraeutner SN, McArthur JL, Kraeutner PH, Westwood DA, Boe SG. Leveraging the effector independent nature of motor imagery when it is paired with physical practice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21335. [PMID: 33288785 PMCID: PMC7721807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
While considered analogous to physical practice, the nature of imagery-based skill acquisition—specifically whether or not both effector independent and dependent encoding occurs through motor imagery—is not well understood. Here, motor imagery-based training was applied prior to or after physical practice-based training to probe the nature of imagery-based skill acquisition. Three groups of participants (N = 38) engaged in 10 days of training of a dart throwing task: 5 days of motor imagery prior to physical practice (MIP-PP), motor imagery following physical practice (PP-MIP), or physical practice only (PP-PP). Performance-related outcomes were assessed throughout. Brain activity was measured at three time points using fMRI (pre/mid/post-training; MIP-PP and PP-MIP groups). In contrast with physical practice, motor imagery led to changes in global versus specific aspects of the movement. Following 10 days of training, performance was greater when motor imagery preceded physical practice, although remained inferior to performance resulting from physical practice alone. Greater activation of regions that support effector dependent encoding was observed mid-, but not post-training for the PP-MIP group. Findings indicate that changes driven by motor imagery reflect effector independent encoding, providing new information regarding how motor imagery may be leveraged for skill acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Kraeutner
- Brain Behaviour Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada.,Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Jennifer L McArthur
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R1, Canada
| | - Paul H Kraeutner
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R1, Canada
| | - David A Westwood
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada.,School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Shaun G Boe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R1, Canada. .,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada. .,School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada. .,School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Rm 407, 4th Floor Forrest Building, 5869 University Avenue, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada.
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15
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Athlete-Specific Neural Strategies under Pressure: A fNIRS Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228464. [PMID: 33207576 PMCID: PMC7697834 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Stress and pressure during competition and training impair athletes' performance in sports. However, the influence of mental stress on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning in an athlete during the visual simulation task is unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate hemodynamic responses during the visual-simulation task that induces pressure and stress using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. (2) Methods: Ten archers and ten non-athlete collegiate students performed a visual-simulation task. Participants' current stress levels were collected using a visual analog scale before and after the task. Average oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR), and total hemoglobin (HbT) levels and their variability (standard deviation (SD) HbO, SD HbR, and SD HbT) were computed to compare the neural efficiency between athlete and non-athlete. (3) Results: In general, both groups exhibited increased stress levels after the simulation task, and there was no group difference in overall average hemodynamic response from PFC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). While the average hemodynamic response level did not differ between groups, variability in hemodynamic responses from the archer group showed a more stable pattern than the non-athlete group. (4) Conclusion: Under this experimental setting, decreasing the variability in hemodynamic responses during the visual simulation, potentially via stabilizing the fluctuation of PFC, was characterized by the stress-related compensatory neural strategy of elite archers.
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16
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Menicucci D, Di Gruttola F, Cesari V, Gemignani A, Manzoni D, Sebastiani L. Task-independent Electrophysiological Correlates of Motor Imagery Ability from Kinaesthetic and Visual Perspectives. Neuroscience 2020; 443:176-187. [PMID: 32736068 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Motor imagery (MI) ability is highly subjective, as indicated by the individual scores of the MIQ-3 questionnaire, and poor imagers compensate for the difficulty in performing MI with larger cerebral activations, as demonstrated by MI studies involving hands/limbs. In order to identify general, task-independent MI ability correlates, 16 volunteers were stratified with MIQ-3. The scores in the kinaesthetic (K) and 1st-person visual (V) perspectives were associated with EEG patterns obtained during K-MI and V-MI of the same complex MIQ-3 movements during these MI tasks (Spearman's correlation, significance at <0.05, SnPM corrected). EEG measures were relative to rest (relaxation, closed eyes), and based on six electrode clusters both for band spectral content and connectivity (Granger causality). Lower K-MI ability was associated with greater theta decreases during tasks in fronto-central clusters and greater inward information flow to prefrontal clusters for theta, high alpha and beta bands. On the other hand, power band relative decreases were associated with V-MI ability in fronto-central clusters for low alpha and left fronto-central and both centro-parietal clusters for beta bands. The results thus suggest different computational mechanisms for MI-V and MI-K. The association between low alpha/beta desynchronization and V-MIQ scores and between theta changes and K-MIQ scores suggest a cognitive effort with greater cerebral activation in participants with lower V-MI ability. The association between information flow to prefrontal hub and K-MI ability suggest the need for a continuous update of information to support MI-related executive functions in subjects with poor K-MI ability.
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17
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Kraeutner SN, Stratas A, McArthur JL, Helmick CA, Westwood DA, Boe SG. Neural and Behavioral Outcomes Differ Following Equivalent Bouts of Motor Imagery or Physical Practice. J Cogn Neurosci 2020; 32:1590-1606. [PMID: 32420839 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite its reported effectiveness for the acquisition of motor skills, we know little about how motor imagery (MI)-based brain activation and performance evolves when MI (the imagined performance of a motor task) is used to learn a complex motor skill compared to physical practice (PP). The current study examined changes in MI-related brain activity and performance driven by an equivalent bout of MI- or PP-based training. Participants engaged in 5 days of either MI or PP of a dart-throwing task. Brain activity (via fMRI) and performance-related outcomes were obtained using a pre/post/retention design. Relative to PP, MI-based training did not drive robust changes in brain activation and was inferior for realizing improvements in performance: Greater activation in regions critical to refining the motor program was observed in the PP versus MI group posttraining, and relative to those driven via PP, MI led only to marginal improvements in performance. Findings indicate that the modality of practice (i.e., MI vs. PP) used to learn a complex motor skill manifests as differences in both resultant patterns of brain activity and performance. Ultimately, by directly comparing brain activity and behavioral outcomes after equivalent training through MI versus PP, this work provides unique knowledge regarding the neural mechanisms underlying learning through MI.
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18
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Daeglau M, Zich C, Emkes R, Welzel J, Debener S, Kranczioch C. Investigating Priming Effects of Physical Practice on Motor Imagery-Induced Event-Related Desynchronization. Front Psychol 2020; 11:57. [PMID: 32116896 PMCID: PMC7012900 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
For motor imagery (MI) to be effective, an internal representation of the to-be-imagined movement may be required. A representation can be achieved through prior motor execution (ME), but the neural correlates of MI that are primed by ME practice are currently unknown. In this study, young healthy adults performed MI practice of a unimanual visuo-motor task (Group MI, n = 19) or ME practice combined with subsequent MI practice (Group ME&MI, n = 18) while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Data analysis focused on the MI-induced event-related desynchronization (ERD). Specifically, changes in the ERD and movement times (MT) between a short familiarization block of ME (Block pre-ME), conducted before the MI or the ME combined with MI practice phase, and a short block of ME conducted after the practice phase (Block post-ME) were analyzed. Neither priming effects of ME practice on MI-induced ERD were found nor performance-enhancing effects of MI practice in general. We found enhancements of the ERD and MT in Block post-ME compared to Block pre-ME, but only for Group ME&MI. A comparison of ME performance measures before and after the MI phase indicated however that these changes could not be attributed to the combination of ME and MI practice. The mixed results of this study may be a consequence of the considerable intra- and inter-individual differences in the ERD, introduced by specifics of the experimental setup, in particular the individual and variable task duration, and suggest that task and experimental setup can affect the interplay of ME and MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Daeglau
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Catharina Zich
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Reiner Emkes
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Julius Welzel
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Debener
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Hearing4All, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kranczioch
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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19
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Ruggirello S, Campioni L, Piermanni S, Sebastiani L, Santarcangelo EL. Does hypnotic assessment predict the functional equivalence between motor imagery and action? Brain Cogn 2019; 136:103598. [PMID: 31472426 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2019.103598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Motor imagery is influenced by individual and contextual factors. We investigated whether the psychophysiological trait of hypnotisability modulates its subjective experience and cortical correlates similarly to what was previously shown for head postures mental images. EEG was acquired in 18 high (highs) and 15 low (lows) hypnotizable subjects (Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, A). The experimental conditions were: baseline, a complex arm/hand movement, visual (1st person) and kinesthetic imagery of the movement. After each imagery condition, participants scored the vividness and easeness of their performance and their ability to mantain the requested modality of imagery. Subjective reports, chronometric visual/kinesthetic indices, absolute beta and fronto-central midline alpha powers were analyzed. Findings confirmed earlier reports of better kinestetic imagery ability in highs than in lows and better visual than kinesthetic imagery in lows, as well as smaller restructuring of the cortical activity in highs than in lows, during all tasks. Also, they show that hypnotisability accounts for most of the correlations between brain regions for both alpha and beta changes. Thus, imagined and actual movements were less demanding processes in highs at subjective and cortical levels. Finally, hypnotic assessment assists to plan personalized mental training for neuro-rehabilitation and sports and predict their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ruggirello
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Lisa Campioni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Samuele Piermanni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Sebastiani
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Enrica L Santarcangelo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
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20
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Zhang Q, Zhang P, Song L, Yang Y, Yuan S, Chen Y, Sun S, Bai X. Brain Activation of Elite Race Walkers in Action Observation, Motor Imagery, and Motor Execution Tasks: A Pilot Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:80. [PMID: 30881297 PMCID: PMC6405507 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Walking plays an important role in human daily life. Many previous studies suggested that long-term walking training can modulate brain functions. However, due to the use of measuring techniques such as fMRI and PET, which are highly motion-sensitive, it is difficult to record individual brain activities during the movement. This pilot study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure the hemodynamic responses in the frontal-parietal cortex of four elite race walkers (experimental group, EG) and twenty college students (control group, CG) during tasks involving action observation, motor imagery, and motor execution. The results showed that activation levels of the pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), premotor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC and SMC), and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in the EG were significantly lower than in the CG during motor execution and observation tasks. And primary motor cortex (M1) of EG in motor execution task was significantly lower than its in CG. During the motor imagery task, activation intensities of the DLPFC, PMC and SMC, and M1 in the EG were significantly higher than in the CG. These findings suggested that the results of motor execution and observation tasks might support the brain efficiency hypothesis, and the related brain regions strengthened the efficiency of neural function, but the results in motor imagery tasks could be attributed to the internal forward model of elite race walkers, which showed a trend opposed to the brain efficiency hypothesis. Additionally, the activation intensities of the pars triangularis and PMC and SMC decreased with the passage of time in the motor execution and imagery tasks, whereas during the action observation task, no significant differences in these regions were found. This reflected differences of the internal processing among the tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihan Zhang
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Song
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sheng Yuan
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shinan Sun
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuejun Bai
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,College of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,Center of Collaborative Innovation for Assessment and Promotion of Mental Health, Tianjin, China
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21
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Emerson JR, Binks JA, Scott MW, Kenny RPW, Eaves DL. Combined action observation and motor imagery therapy: a novel method for post-stroke motor rehabilitation. AIMS Neurosci 2018; 5:236-252. [PMID: 32341964 PMCID: PMC7179337 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2018.4.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral vascular accidents (strokes) are a leading cause of motor deficiency in millions of people worldwide. While a complex range of biological systems is affected following a stroke, in this paper we focus primarily on impairments of the motor system and the recovery of motor skills. We briefly review research that has assessed two types of mental practice, which are currently recommended in stroke rehabilitation. Namely, action observation (AO) therapy and motor imagery (MI) training. We highlight the strengths and limitations in both techniques, before making the case for combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) therapy as a potentially more effective method. This is based on a growing body of multimodal brain imaging research showing advantages for combined AO + MI instructions over the two separate methods of AO and MI. Finally, we offer a series of suggestions and considerations for how combined AO + MI therapy could be employed in neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Daniel L. Eaves
- School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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22
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Wriessnegger SC, Brunner C, Müller-Putz GR. Frequency Specific Cortical Dynamics During Motor Imagery Are Influenced by Prior Physical Activity. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1976. [PMID: 30410454 PMCID: PMC6209646 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor imagery is often used inducing changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) signals for imagery-based brain-computer interfacing (BCI). A BCI is a device translating brain signals into control signals providing severely motor-impaired persons with an additional, non-muscular channel for communication and control. In the last years, there is increasing interest using BCIs also for healthy people in terms of enhancement or gaming. Most studies focusing on improving signal processing feature extraction and classification methods, but the performance of a BCI can also be improved by optimizing the user's control strategies, e.g., using more vivid and engaging mental tasks for control. We used multichannel EEG to investigate neural correlates of a sports imagery task (playing tennis) compared to a simple motor imagery task (squeezing a ball). To enhance the vividness of both tasks participants performed a short physical exercise between two imagery sessions. EEG was recorded from 60 closely spaced electrodes placed over frontal, central, and parietal areas of 30 healthy volunteers divided in two groups. Whereas Group 1 (EG) performed a physical exercise between the two imagery sessions, Group 2 (CG) watched a landscape movie without physical activity. Spatiotemporal event-related desynchronization (ERD) and event-related synchronization (ERS) patterns during motor imagery (MI) tasks were evaluated. The results of the EG showed significant stronger ERD patterns in the alpha frequency band (8-13 Hz) during MI of tennis after training. Our results are in evidence with previous findings that MI in combination with motor execution has beneficial effects. We conclude that sports MI combined with an interactive game environment could be a future promising task in motor learning and rehabilitation improving motor functions in late therapy processes or support neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina C. Wriessnegger
- Institute of Neural Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Clemens Brunner
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot R. Müller-Putz
- Institute of Neural Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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23
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Eaves DL, Emerson JR, Binks JA, Scott MW, Kenny RPW. Imagery ability: the individual difference gradient and novel training methods (Commentary on Kraeutner et al. (2018)). Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:1219-1220. [PMID: 29729203 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D L Eaves
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - J R Emerson
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - J A Binks
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - M W Scott
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - R P W Kenny
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.,School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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