A Systematic Investigation of the Effect of Action Observation Training and Motor Imagery Training on the Development of Mental Representation Structure and Skill Performance

Abstract

Action observation training and motor imagery training have independently been studied and considered as an effective training strategy for improving motor skill learning. However, comparative studies of the two training strategies are relatively few. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of action observation training and motor imagery training on the development of mental representation structure and golf putting performance as well as the relation between the changes in mental representation structure and skill performance during the early learning stage. Forty novices were randomly assigned to one of four groups: action observation training, motor imagery training, physical practice and no practice. The mental representation structure and putting performance were measured before and after 3 days of training, then after a 2-day retention period. The results showed that mental representation structure and the accuracy of the putting performance were improved over time through the two types of cognitive training (i.e., action observation training and motor imagery training). In addition, we found a significant positive correlation between changes in mental representation structure and skill performance for the action observation training group only. Taken together, these results suggest that both cognitive adaptations and skill improvement occur through the training of the two simulation states of action, and that perceptual-cognitive changes are associated with the change of skill performance for action observation training.

Motor Imagery Practice and Cognitive Processes

“…Other studies suggest that the movement representations of experts capture more faithfully the biomechanical components of domain-specific movement than do those of novices (for review see Bläsing et al, 2012). However, even though behavioral changes have been observed following MIP (Debarnot et al, 2014), the extent and pattern of representational change following MIP (without physical practice) have yet to be fully elucidated-particularly in expert populations (for an examination of representational change over the course of a MIP program in novice sports performers, see Kim et al, 2017).…”

The Influence of Auditory Cues on Bodily and Movement Perception

“…Or do auditory effects result in stable re-calibration of perception, continuing despite the removal of the modified auditory input? If not, it is relevant to consider whether re-calibration could be sustained via processes of mental imagery (visualizing the movement with the sound) given the established link between motor imagery, motor representations, and skilled performance (Kim et al, 2017). Additionally, if auditory perceptual re-calibration were to be long-lasting, it would be of interest to understand what is required to 'normalize' movement perception.…”

Effects of motor imagery combined with action observation training on the lateral specificity of muscle strength in healthy subjects

“…In this study, we demonstrated that subjects who imagined bilateral shoulder flexion while watching a movie comprising scenes of high-intensity bilateral shoulder flexion exercises showed increased bilateral muscle strength only, thus indicating the presence of lateral specificity of training in MI + AO. Several studies on motor skill acquisition have demonstrated that mental practice leads to improved performance (12,20) and motor skills can be achieved or influenced by watching the action of others (18). On the basis of the aforementioned studies, the increase in bilateral shoulder flexion strength in the MI + AO group during the intervention is believed to be induced, in part, by motor skill acquisition for bilateral shoulder flexion.…”

“…MI is a process, wherein actions are simulated mentally without any actual movement. Several studies have shown that MI training induces muscle strength gain, contributes to motor skill acquisition, and leads to improved physical performance (11,12,20,28). These effects were realized through imagined muscle contraction rather than an unimagined process (34).…”