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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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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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Gmamdya H, Souissi MA, Bougrine H, Baaziz M, Noomen Guelmami, Majdi B, Robin N, Bali N. The Positive Impact of Combining Motor Imagery, Action Observation and Coach's Feedback on Archery Accuracy of Young Athletes. Percept Mot Skills 2023; 130:2226-2248. [PMID: 37656001 DOI: 10.1177/00315125231193218] [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: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, learning and motor control researchers have examined, in diverse ways, the practical strategies that enhance motor skill acquisition in sport. In this study we investigated the impact of combining Motor Imagery (MI), Feedback (F), and Action Observation (AO) on the quality of archery longbow shooting at a 10-meter target. We randomly assigned 60 young athletes to (a) a Control group (Control), (b) a Feedback and Motor Imagery group (F + MI), and (c) a Feedback, Motor Imagery, and Action Observation group (F + MI + AO). Over an 8-week intervention period athletes performed two training sessions per week. During each session, all participants engaged in two blocks of ten effective shots. Performance improvement was significantly greater in the F + MI + AO group than in the two other groups, confirming the beneficial impact of combining all three methods of improving archery accuracy. These findings suggest practical recommendations for athletes and trainers for delivering optimal mental training to improve shooting accuracy for these archers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatem Gmamdya
- Research Laboratory in Disability and Social Maladjustment, University of Mannouba, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Gafsa University, Gafsa, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Abdelkader Souissi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Gafsa University, Gafsa, Tunisia
- Physical Activity, Sport and Health, Research Unit, UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Houda Bougrine
- Physical Activity, Sport and Health, Research Unit, UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education Ksar-Said, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Baaziz
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education Ksar-Said, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Noomen Guelmami
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
| | - Bouazizi Majdi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Gafsa University, Gafsa, Tunisia
| | - Nicolas Robin
- Laboratoire ACTES (3596), UFR STAPS, Université des Antilles, Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Naila Bali
- Research Laboratory in Disability and Social Maladjustment, University of Mannouba, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education Ksar-Said, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia
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