Combining Action Observation and Motor Imagery Improves Eye–Hand Coordination during Novel Visuomotor Task Performance

Marshall, Ben, Wright, David J, Holmes, Paul S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0821-3580 and Wood, Greg ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0851-7090 (2020) Combining Action Observation and Motor Imagery Improves Eye–Hand Coordination during Novel Visuomotor Task Performance. Journal of Motor Behavior, 52 (3). pp. 333-341. ISSN 0022-2895

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Abstract

In this study, we compared the effectiveness of concurrent action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI), observing with the intent to imitate (active observation; AO), and passive observation (PO) training interventions for improving eye–hand coordination. Fifty participants were assigned to five groups [AO + MI, AO, PO, physical practice (PP); control] and performed a visuomotor rotation task, whilst eye movements were recorded. Each participant then performed 20 task trials in a training intervention before repeating the visuomotor rotation task in a post-test. As expected, PP produced the greatest improvement in task performance and eye–hand coordination. However, in comparison to the control group, AO + MI training produced a statistically significant increase in both task performance and eye–hand coordination, but no such improvements were found following AO or PO.