Action observation perspective influences the effectiveness of combined action observation and motor imagery training for novices learning an Osoto Gari judo throw

Combined action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) training improves motor skill performance, but limited research has investigated possible moderating factors for this intervention. This study examined the influence of action observation (AO) perspective on the effectiveness of AOMI training for novices learning a ‘shadow’ Osoto Gari judo throw. Thirty novice participants were randomly assigned to AOMI training that displayed egocentric footage (AOMIEGO) or allocentric footage (AOMIALLO) of the Osoto Gari, or Control training. A motor learning design incorporating pre-test (Day 1), acquisition (Days 2–6), post-test (Day 7), and retention-test (Day 14) was adopted. Motor skill performance, self-efficacy, and mental representation structures were recorded as measures of learning. There were mixed effects for motor skill performance across the three training conditions utilized in this study, with AOMIALLO training significantly reducing error scores for final right hip flexion angle and peak right ankle velocity compared to AOMIEGO training. Self-efficacy increased for all training conditions over time. Both AOMIEGO and AOMIALLO training led to improved functional changes in mental representation structures over time compared to Control training. The findings suggest AOMI training led to improved perceptual-cognitive scaffolding, irrespective of AO perspective, and offer some support for the use of AOMIALLO training to facilitate novice learning of complex, serial motor skills in sport.