Effects of action observation therapy on hand dexterity and EEG-based cortical activation patterns in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis Action Observation Therapy in the Subacute Phase Promotes Dexterity Recovery in Right-Hemisphere Stroke Patients A Study of Analysis of the Brain Wave with Respected to Action Observation and Motor Imagery: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Effects of action observation therapy on upper extremity function, daily activities and motion evoked potential in cerebral infarction patients Drinking Behavior Training for Stroke Patients Using Action Observation and Practice of Upper Limb Function Effects of Action Observation on Physical Training After Stroke Upper limb children action-observation training (UP-CAT): a randomised controlled trial in Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Clinical Relevance of Action Observation in Upper-Limb Stroke Rehabilitation A Mirror Therapy–Based Action Observation Protocol to Improve Motor Learning After Stroke Effects of live and video form action observation training on upper limb function in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Effect of purposeful action observation on upper extremity function in stroke patients Your Actions in My Cerebellum: Subclinical Deficits in Action Observation in Patients with Unilateral Chronic Cerebellar Stroke The effects of action observation training and mirror therapy on gait and balance in stroke patients Action observation training for functional activities after stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Tele-UPCAT: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a home-based Tele-monitored UPper limb Children Action observation Training for participants with unilateral cerebral palsy Randomized Trial of Observation and Execution of Upper Extremity Actions Versus Action Alone in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy Action observation training of community ambulation for improving walking ability of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis: a randomized controlled pilot trial The Effect of Action Observation Training on Balance and Sit to Walk in Chronic Stroke: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical feasibility of action observation training for walking function of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis: a randomized controlled trial Action Observation Treatment Improves Upper Limb Motor Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Combined Clinical and Brain Imaging Study Improving upper limb motor functions through action observation treatment: a pilot study in children with cerebral palsy.
Background : Previous reports have suggested that action observation training ( AOT ) is beneficial in enhancing the early learning of new motor tasks ; however , EEG-based investigation has received little attention for AOT . Objective : The purpose of this study was to illustrate the effects of AOT on h and dexterity and cortical activation in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis . Method : Twenty patients with post-stroke hemiparesis were r and omly divided into either the experimental group ( EG ) or control group ( CG ) , with 10 patients in each group . Prior to the execution of motor tasks ( carrying wooden blocks from one box to another ) , subjects in the EG and CG observed a video clip displaying the execution of the same motor task and pictures showing l and scapes , respectively . Outcome measures included the box and block test ( BBT ) to evaluate h and dexterity and EEG-based brain mapping to detect changes in cortical activation . Results : The BBT scores ( EG : 20.50 ± 6.62 at pre-test and 24.40 ± 5.42 at post-test ; CG : 20.20 ± 6.12 at pre-test and 20.60 ± 7.17 at post-test ) revealed significant main effects for the time and group and significant time-by-group interactions ( p < 0.05 ) . For the subjects in the EG , topographical representations obtained with the EEG-based brain mapping system were different in each session of the AOT and remarkable changes occurred from the 2nd session of AOT . Furthermore , the middle frontal gyrus was less active at post-test than at pre-test . Conclusions : These findings support that AOT may be beneficial in altering cortical activation patterns and h and dexterity The clinical impact of action observation ( AO ) on upper limb functional recovery in subacute stroke patients is recent evidence . We sought to test the hypothesis that training everyday life activities through AO coupled with task execution might activate the left hemisphere different from the right one . Sixty-seven first-ever ischemic stroke subjects were r and omly assigned to receive upper limb training coupled with AO tasks or st and ard rehabilitation . The groups were matched by age and gender , Bamford category , and interval from stroke and lesion side . Fugl-Meyer ( FM ) and Box and Block Test ( BBT ) were used to measure h and function recovery at the end ( T1 ) and 4 - 5 months after the treatment ( T2 ) . At T1 , FM was increased by 31 % ( ±26 % ) , of maximum achievable recovery , whereas BBT was increased by 17 % ( ±18 % ) ; at T2 , FM had reached 43 % ( ±45 % ) of maximum recovery , while BBT had reached 25 % ( ±22 % ) . Combining the effects of treatment to those of lesion side revealed significantly higher gains , in both FM and BBT scores , in left hemiparetic subjects when exposed to AO as compared to st and ard rehabilitation alone ( P < .01 ) . The findings lead to recommend the use of AO in addition to motor training in left hemiparetic patients [ Purpose ] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of action observation training and motor imagery training on recovery from  chronic stroke .  [ Subjects ] Thirty patients ( who were over six months post stroke ) participated in this study and were r and omly allocated to three groups . [ Methods ] The action observation training group practice d additional action observation training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period . The motor imagery training group practice d additional motor imagery training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period .  Electroencephalogram  were used to compare brain waves between the three groups . [ Results ] The action observation group showed significant changes in relative alpha power in Fp1 and Fp2 and relative beta power in Fp2 and C3 . [ Conclusion ] Action observation induces higher levels of cognitive activities than motor imagery and physical training . Action observation is expected to be more effective for stroke patients Background : The aim of this study was to explore the effects of action observation therapy on motor function of upper extremity , activities of daily living , and motion evoked potential in cerebral infa rct ion patients . Method : Cerebral infa rct ion survivors were r and omly assigned to an experimental group ( 28 patients ) or a control group ( 25 patients ) . The conventional rehabilitation treatments were applied in both groups , but the experimental group received an additional action observation therapy for 8 weeks ( 6 times per week , 20 minutes per time ) .  Fugl-Meyer assessment ( FMA ) , Wolf Motor Function Test ( WMFT ) , Modified Barthel Index ( MBI ) , and motor evoked potential ( MEP ) were used to evaluate the upper limb movement function and daily life activity . Results : There were no significant differences between experiment and control group in the indexes , including FMA , WMFT , and MBI scores , before the intervention . However , after 8 weeks treatments , these indexes were improved significantly . MEP latency and center-motion conduction time ( CMCT ) decreased from 23.82 ± 2.16 and 11.15 ± 1.68 to 22.69 ± 2.11 and 10.12 ± 1.46 ms . MEP amplitude increased from 0.61 ± 0.22 to 1.25 ± 0.38 mV. A remarkable relationship between the evaluations indexes of MEP and FMA was found . Conclusions : Combination of motion observation and traditional upper limb rehabilitation treatment technology can significantly elevate the movement function of cerebral infa rct ion patients in subacute seizure phase with upper limb dysfunction , which exp and ed the application range of motion observation therapy and provided an effective therapy strategy for upper extremities hemiplegia in stroke patients [ Purpose ] This study examined the effects of action observation and action practice on stroke patients ’ upper limb function .  [ Subjects and Methods ] The subjects were 33 chronic stroke patients who were r and omly assigned to four groups . The action observation group ( 5 males , 3 females ) watched a video of the task , the action practice group ( 5 males , 4 females ) performed the action , the combined action observation-action practice group ( 5 males , 4 females ) watched the video of the task and practice d the action , and the control group ( 4 males , 3 females ) did not perform either action observation or action practice . The video used in the action observational physical training comprised a scene of an adult male picking up a cup , bringing it to his mouth in order to touch his mouth , and then returning the cup to its initial position . [ Results ] Improvements in drinking behavior functions were observed immediately after the experiment and one week later . After the intervention , the number of drinking motions had increased the most in the combination group . One week after the experiment , there were increases in the action observation , action training , and combination groups . [ Conclusion ] A combination of action observation and action training is the most effective treatment method , and action training is a desirable second to combined therapy Background and Purpose — In healthy humans , observation of another individual performing a motor training task ( action observation [ AO ] ) facilitates , in the observer , the effects of physical training ( PT ) on motor memory formation . It is not known whether this facilitatory process , of potential value for neurorehabilitation , occurs after stroke . Methods — Eight chronic stroke patients completed this crossover-r and omized investigation . A transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol that tests formation of motor memories was used to determine the effects of PT alone and in combination with AO in 2 different forms : congruent ( PT+AOcongruent ) and incongruent ( PT+AOincongruent ) to the practice d task . Results — The magnitude of motor memory formation was larger with PT+AOcongruent than with PT alone or PT+ AOincongruent . This effect was associated with a differential corticomotor excitability change in the muscles acting as agonist and antagonist of the trained/observed movements . Conclusions — These results indicate that congruent AO in association with physical training can enhance the effects of motor training after stroke Background Rehabilitation for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy ( HCP ) aim ed to improve function of the impaired upper limb ( UL ) uses a wide range of intervention programs . A new rehabilitative approach , called Action-Observation Therapy , based on the recent discovery of mirror neurons , has been used in adult stroke but not in children . The purpose of the present study is to design a r and omised controlled trial ( RCT ) for evaluating the efficacy of Action-Observation Therapy in improving UL activity in children with HCP . Methods / Design The trial is design ed according to CONSORT Statement . It is a r and omised , evaluator-blinded , match-pair group trial . Children with HCP will be r and omised within pairs to either experimental or control group . The experimental group will perform an Action-Observation Therapy , called UP-CAT ( Upper Limb-Children Action-Observation Training ) in which they will watch video sequences showing goal -directed actions , chosen according to children UL functional level , combined with motor training with their hemiplegic UL . The control group will perform the same tailored actions after watching computer games . A careful revision of psychometric properties of UL outcome measures for children with hemiplegia was performed . Assisting H and Assessment was chosen as primary measure and , based on its calculation power , a sample size of 12 matched pairs was established . Moreover , Melbourne and ABILH AND -Kids were included as secondary measures . The time line of assessment s will be T0 ( in the week preceding the onset of the treatment ) , T1 and T2 ( in the week after the end of the treatment and 8 weeks later , respectively ) . A further assessment will be performed at T3 ( 24 weeks after T1 ) , to evaluate the retention of effects . In a subgroup of children enrolled in both groups functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging , exploring the mirror system and sensory-motor function , will be performed at T0 , T1 and T2 . Discussion The paper aims to describe the methodology of a RCT for evaluating the efficacy of  Action-Observation Therapy  in improving UL activity in children with hemiplegia . This study will be the first to test this new type of treatment in childhood . The paper presents the theoretical background , study hypotheses , outcome measures and trial methodology .Trial Registration Objective . A r and omized controlled observer-blind trial was design ed to evaluate the effectiveness of action observation as an add-on treatment to the st and ard rehabilitation of upper-limb function , early after stroke . Methods . Stroke survivors ( N = 102 ) were consecutively recruited from 13 centers 30 days ( ±7 ) after a first-ever stroke and r and omly assigned to the  experimental ( EG )  or  control group (  CG ) . EG participants watched video footage of daily routine tasks ( actions ) carried out with the upper limb in order to prepare to imitate the presented action . At the end of each sequence , a therapist prompted the patient to perform the same movement for 2 minutes , providing help when needed . Static images without animals or human beings were shown to the CG . At the end of each sequence , the CG executed movements that simulated the shoulder and elbow joint mobilization activities performed by the EG . Results for the Fugl-Meyer test , Frenchay Arm test , Box and Block test ( BBT ) , Modified Ashworth Scale , and Functional Independence Measure Motor items were recorded before treatment ( T0 ) , after 4 weeks of treatment ( T1 ) , and at the follow-up visit 4 to 5 months after the conclusion of treatment ( T2 ) . Results . An improvement over time was appreciated on all measures of impairment and functional ability with both treatment programs . A Time × Treatment interaction emerged from the generalized estimating equations analysis of BBT , showing significant T0–T1 and T0–T2 differences in favor of EG . Conclusion . This multicenter trial endorses the use of action observation in upper-extremity rehabilitation , along with a role for the mirror neuron system in poststroke recovery Background . Mirror therapy is a priming technique to improve motor function of the affected arm after stroke . Objective . To investigate whether a mirror therapy – based action observation ( AO ) protocol contributes to motor learning of the affected arm after stroke . Methods . A total of 37 participants in the chronic stage after stroke were r and omly allocated to the AO or control observation ( CO ) group . Participants were instructed to perform an upper-arm reaching task as fast and as fluently as possible . All participants trained the upper-arm reaching task with their affected arm alternated with either AO or CO . Participants in the AO group observed mirrored video tapes of reaching movements performed by their unaffected arm , whereas participants in the CO group observed static photographs of l and scapes . The experimental condition effect was investigated by evaluating the primary outcome measure : movement time ( in seconds ) of the reaching movement , measured by accelerometry . Results . Movement time decreased significantly in both groups : 18.3 % in the AO and 9.1 % in the CO group . Decrease in movement time was significantly more in the AO compared with the CO group ( mean difference = 0.14 s ; 95 % confidence interval = 0.02 , 0.26 ; P = .026 ) . Conclusion . The present study showed that a mirror therapy – based AO protocol contributes to motor learning after stroke PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of live and video form action observation training ( AOT ) on upper limb ( UL ) movement acceleration and function in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) . METHODS In total , 12 children ( 7 boys , 5 girls ) with CP participated in this study . The children were allocated r and omly to live ( experimental ) and video ( control ) AOT groups . All children completed 20 treatment sessions , each 30 minutes in duration , 5 days per week for a month . Mediolateral ( ML ) and vertical ( VT ) acceleration data , Jebsen-Taylor H and Function ( JTHF ) scores , and Box and Block Test ( BBT ) scores were obtained at baseline and at 4 weeks after the intervention . RESULTS ML and VT movement acceleration and JTHF scores were significantly lower in the live group ( p < 0.05 ) . The BBT score was significantly higher in the live than in the video group ( p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that live AOT is more effective than video AOT for improving UL movement acceleration and function . Clinical ly , our findings offer important insights for clinicians when planning AOT interventions to reduce UL movement acceleration and improve UL function [ Purpose ] The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of purpose ful action observation on upper extremity function in patients with stroke . [ Subjects and Methods ] Twelve subjects were r and omly to either the experimental group or control group . The experimental group underwent occupational therapy and a purpose ful action observation program . The control group underwent occupational therapy and placebo treatment in which the subjects performed a purpose ful action observation program without actually observing the purpose ful actions . The Wolf Motor Function Test was used to measure upper extremity function before and after the intervention in both groups . [ Results ] Both the experimental and control groups demonstrated improved upper extremity function after the intervention , but there was no significant difference between groups . Compared with before the intervention , the experimental group showed significantly improved upper extremity function after the intervention . [ Conclusion ] Based on these results , a purpose ful action observation program can improve upper extremity function in patients with stroke . In future research , more subjects should be included for evaluation of different treatments Empirical evidence indicates that cognitive consequences of cerebellar lesions tend to be mild and less important than the symptoms due to lesions to cerebral areas . By contrast , imaging studies consistently report strong cerebellar activity during tasks of action observation and action underst and ing . This has been interpreted as part of the automatic motor simulation process that takes place in the context of action observation . The function of the cerebellum as a sequencer during executed movements makes it a good c and i date , within the framework of embodied cognition , for a pivotal role in underst and ing the timing of action sequences . Here , we investigated a cohort of eight patients with chronic , first-ever , isolated , ischemic lesions of the cerebellum . The experimental task consisted in identifying a plausible sequence of pictures from a r and omly ordered group of still frames extracted from ( a ) a complex action performed by a human actor ( “ biological action ” test ) or ( b ) a complex physical event occurring to an inanimate object ( “ folk physics ” test ) . A group of 16 healthy participants was used as control . The main result showed that cerebellar patients performed significantly worse than controls in both sequencing tasks , but performed much worse in the “ biological action ” test than in the “ folk physics ” test . The dissociation described here suggests that observed sequences of simple motor acts seem to be represented differentially from other sequences in the cerebellum [ Purpose ] The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of action observation training and mirror therapy to improve on balance and gait function of stroke patients . [ Subjects and Methods ] The participants were r and omly allocated to one of three groups : The action observation training with activity group practice d additional action observation training with activity for three 30-minute session for six weeks ( n=12 ) . The mirror therapy with activity group practice d additional mirror therapy with activity for three 30-minute sessions for six weeks ( n=11 ) . The only action observation training group practice d additional action observation training for three 30-minute sessions for weeks ( n=12 ) . All groups received conventional therapy for five 60-minute sessions over a six-week period . [ Results ] There were significant improvements in balance and gait function . The action observation training with activity group significantly improved subjects ’ static balance . The action observation training with activity group and the mirror therapy with activity group significantly improved subjects ’ gait ability . [ Conclusion ] The activation of mirror neurons combined with a conventional stroke physiotherapy program enhances lower-extremity motor recovery and motor functioning in stroke patients OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the effects of action observation training and motor imagery training on recovery from  chronic stroke .  METHODS Thirty patients who were more than six months post stroke participated in this study and were r and omly allocated to three groups . The action observation training group practice d additional action observation training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period . The motor imagery training group practice d additional motor imagery training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period . The following clinical measures were used for assessment of dynamic balance and gait abilities : Timed Up and Go Test , Functional Reaching Test , Walking Ability Question naire , and Functional Ambulation Category . Spatiotemporal gait parameters were also collected using a GAITRite system . RESULT Compared with the physical training group , the action observation training group showed significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go test , gait speed , cadence , and single limb support of the affected side . No significant differences in any of the outcome measures were observed between the action observation training group and the motor imagery training group . CONCLUSION Action observation training and motor imagery training results in improvement of dynamic balance and gait ability . These results suggest the feasibility and suitability of action observation training for patients with chronic stroke Introduction A new rehabilitative approach , called UPper Limb Children Action Observation Training ( UPCAT ) , based on the principles of action observation training ( AOT ) , has provided promising results for upper limb rehabilitation in children with unilateral cerebral palsy ( UCP ) . This study will investigate if a new information and communication technology platform , named Tele-UPCAT , is able to deliver AOT in a home setting and will test its efficacy on children and young people with UCP . Methods and analysis A r and omised , allocation concealed ( waitlist control ) and evaluator-blinded clinical trial with two investigative arms will be carried out . The experimental group will perform AOT at home for 3 weeks using a customised Tele-UPCAT system where they will watch video sequences of goal -directed actions and then complete the motor training of the same actions . The control group will receive usual care for 3 weeks , which may include upper limb training . They will be offered AOT at home after 3 weeks . Twenty-four children with UCP will be recruited for 12 participants per group . The primary outcome will be measured using Assisting H and Assessment . The Melbourne Assessment 2 , ABILH AND , Participation and Environment Measure-Children and Youth and Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Question naire will be included as secondary measures . Quantitative measures from sensorised objects and participants worn Actigraphs GXT3 + will be analysed . The assessment points will be the week before ( T0 ) and after ( T1 ) the period of AOT/st and ard care . Further assessment s will be at T1 plus , the week after the AOT period for the waitlist group and at 8 weeks ( T2 ) and 24 weeks ( T3 ) after AOT training . Ethics and dissemination The trial has been approved by the Tuscany Paediatric Ethics Committee ( 169/2016 ) . Publication of all outcomes will be in peer- review ed journals and conference presentations . Trial registration NCT03094455 Background . The properties of the mirror neuron system suggest a new type of upper limb ( UL ) rehabilitation in children with unilateral cerebral palsy ( UCP ) , based on observation of action therapy followed by execution of a variety of observed movements ( AOT ) . Objective . We tested the effects of AOT in the Upper Limb Children Action Observation Training ( UP-CAT ) trial . Methods . In a r and omized , evaluator-blinded , block- design ed trial , 24 UCP children with mild to moderate h and impairment were assigned to 2 groups . The experimental group observed , 1 hour per day for 3 consecutive weeks , video sequences of unimanual or bimanual goal -directed actions and subsequently executed observed actions with the hemiparetic UL or both ULs . The control group performed the same actions in the same order as the experimental sample , but had watched computer games . The Assisting H and Assessment ( AHA ) scale was the primary outcome measure ; the Melbourne assessment and ABILH AND -Kids were secondary ones . Outcomes were assessed at 1 week ( T1 ) , 8 weeks ( T2 ) , and 24 weeks ( T3 ) after the end of the training . Results . The experimental group improved more ( P = .008 ) in score changes for the AHA at the primary endpoints T1 ( P = .008 ) , T2 ( P = .019 ) , and T3 ( P = .049 ) . No between-group significant changes were found for ABILH AND -Kids or Melbourne assessment . Conclusions . UP-CAT improved daily UL activities in UCP children , suggesting a new rehabilitation approach based on a neurophysiological model of motor learning Purpose : To investigate the effects of action observation training involving community-based ambulation for improving walking ability after stroke . Design : R and omized , controlled pilot study . Setting : Inpatient rehabilitation hospital . Subjects : A total of 25 in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis were r and omly assigned to either the experimental group ( n = 12 ) or control group ( n = 13 ) . Intervention : Subjects of the experimental group watched video clips demonstrating four-staged ambulation training with a more complex environment factor for 30 minutes , three times a week for four weeks . Meanwhile , subjects of the control group watched video clips , which showed different l and scape pictures . Main measures : Walking function was evaluated before and after the four-week intervention using a 10-m walk test , community walk test , activities-specific balance confidence scale , and spatiotemporal gait measures . Results : Changes in the values for the 10-m walk test ( 0.17 ±0.19 m/s vs. 0.05 ±0.08 m/s ) , community walk test ( –151.42 ±123.82 seconds vs. 67.08 ±176.77 seconds ) , and activities-specific balance confidence ( 6.25 ±5.61 scores vs. 0.72 ±2.24 scores ) and the spatiotemporal parameters ( i.e. stride length ( 19.00 ±11.34 cm vs. 3.16 ±11.20 cm ) , single support ( 5.87 ±5.13 % vs. 0.25 ±5.95 % ) , and velocity ( 15.66 ±12.34 cm/s vs. 2.96 ±10.54 cm/s ) ) indicated a significant improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group . In the experimental group , walking function and ambulation confidence was significantly different between the pre- and post-intervention , whereas the control group showed a significant difference only in the 10-m walk test . Conclusions : Action observation training of community ambulation may be favorably used for improving walking function of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an action observation training on balance and sit to walk in chronic stroke . Twenty-four chronic stroke patients participated in this study . Participants were r and omly allocated to either the l and scape imagery observation physical training group ( LIOPT ) or the action observation physical training group ( AOPT ) . LIOPT observed a l and scape picture for 2 min 30 s while the AOPT group observed related video recording . Both groups underwent a physical training session after the observation session for 12 min 30 s and the sessions were repeated twice a day , 3 times a week for 6 weeks . Outcome measures included Time Up and Go Test ( TUG ) , Dynamic Gait Index ( DGI ) , Weight Distribution Index ( WDI ) , and limit of stability ( LOS ) . Between-group and within-group comparisons were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test , respectively . The AOPT and LIOPT groups have shown statistically significant differences in TUG , DGI , WDI , and LOS over time . However , no significant difference was observed in terms of TUG , DGI and WDI , but only in LOS between groups . These findings suggest that action observation training and physical training are effective to improve sit to walk and balance ability of chronic stroke patients Objective : To identify the effects of action observation training ( AOT ) on the walking ability of subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis . Design : R and omized , single-blind , controlled pilot study . Setting : Inpatient rehabilitation hospital . Subjects : Twenty-one subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis were r and omly allocated to either the experimental group ( EG ) or the control group ( CG ) , with 11 and 10 patients , respectively . Interventions : The subjects in the EG and CG watched video clips demonstrating four functional walking tasks and showing different l and scape images , respectively . All subjects subsequently performed the walking tasks ( a total of 30 min , once a day , 3 times weekly for a 4-week period ) . Main measures : 10-m walk test , figure-of-8 walk test ( time and steps ) , dynamic gait index ( DGI ) , and gait symmetry score ( swing and stance phases , and stride length ) before and after the intervention . Results : The changes between the pre- and post-test values of the 10-m walk test ( median [ interquartile range ] , -5.10 [ -15.80–-1.60 ] versus 0.00 [ -6.60–4.06 ] ) , figure-of-8 walk test ( time : -3.50 [ -12.60–-2.00 ] versus -1.25 [ -4.98–0.25 ] ; steps:-5.00 [ -8.00–-2.00 ] versus 0.00 [ -3.25–0.25 ] ) , and DGI ( 4.00 [ 3.00–6.00 ] versus 1.00 [ -4.00–3.00 ] ) showed significant differences between the EG and CG ( p < 0.05 ) . In the EG , the 10-m walk test , time and steps of figure-of-8 walk test , DGI , and gait symmetry score in the stance phase showed significant differences between pre- and post-test ( p < 0.05 ) . Conclusions : The findings suggest that AOT can be beneficial in enhancing walking ability of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis , and may be clinical ly feasible as a practical adjunct to routine rehabilitation therapy . A power calculation on our data showed that 20 subjects in each group were required for further definitive studies The aim of the present study was to assess the role of action observation treatment ( AOT ) in the rehabilitation of upper limb motor functions in children with cerebral palsy . We carried out a two-group , parallel r and omized controlled trial . Eighteen children ( aged 5–11 yr ) entered the study : 11 were treated children , and 7 served as controls . Outcome measures were scores on two functional scales : Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function Scale ( MUUL ) and the Assisting H and Assessment ( AHA ) . We collected functional scores before treatment ( T1 ) , at the end of treatment ( T2 ) , and at two months of follow-up ( T3 ) . As compared to controls , treated children improved significantly in both scales at T2 and this improvement persisted at T3 . AOT has therefore the potential to become a routine rehabilitation practice in children with CP . Twelve out of 18 enrolled children also underwent a functional magnetic resonance study at T1 and T2 . As compared to controls , at T2 , treated children showed stronger activation in a parieto-premotor circuit for h and -object interactions . These findings support the notion that AOT contributes to reorganize brain circuits subserving the impaired function rather than activating supplementary or vicariating ones AIM The aim of this r and omized controlled trial was to assess whether action observation treatment may improve upper limb motor functions in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) . METHOD All children with CP admitted to our unit for rehabilitation from May 2009 to May 2010 were eligible . Inclusion criteria were age between 6 years and 11 years , an IQ of at least 70 , and no major visual and /or auditory deficits . Fifteen children were enrolled and r and omly assigned to either a case group ( n=8 ; four males , four females ; median age 7 y 6 mo ) or control group ( n=7 ; five males , two females ; median age 8 y ) . Six participants had left-sided hemiplegia , six right-sided hemiplegia , and three had tetraplegia ; 10 were independent walkers . Those in the case group were asked to observe video clips showing daily age-appropriate actions , and afterwards to imitate them . Participants in the control group were asked to observe video clips with no motor content and afterwards to execute the same actions as cases . The primary outcome measure was the Melbourne Assessment Scale . Children were scored twice at baseline ( 2 wks apart ) , and at the end of treatment , by a physician blind to group assignment . RESULTS At baseline groups did not differ on functional evaluation . After treatment , the functional score gain ( Δ ) was significantly different in the case and control groups ( p=0.026 ) . INTERPRETATION The present results support the notion that action observation treatment can be an effective part of the rehabilitation programme in children with CP
Background To systematic ally review and analyse the effects of Action Observation Training on adults and children with brain damage .