Abstract
Motor simulation interventions involving motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) have received considerable interest in the behavioral sciences. A growing body of research has focused on using AO and MI simultaneously, termed ‘combined action observation and motor imagery’ (AOMI). The current paper includes two meta-analyses that quantify changes in corticospinal excitability and motor skill performance for AOMI compared to AO, MI and control conditions. Specifically, the first meta-analysis collated and synthesized existing motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude data from transcranial magnetic stimulation studies and the second meta-analysis collated and synthesized existing movement outcome data from behavioral studies. AOMI had a positive effect compared to control and AO but not MI conditions for both MEP amplitudes and movement outcomes. No methodological factors moderated the effects of AOMI, indicating a robust effect of AOMI across the two outcome variables. The results of the meta-analyses are discussed in relation to existing literature on motor simulation and skill acquisition, before providing viable directions for future research on this topic.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 104911 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews |
Volume | 143 |
Early online date | 5 Nov 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2022 |
Keywords
- AOMI
- Action Observation and Motor Imagery
- Motor evoked potentials
- Dual action simulation
- Motor execution
- Motor imagery during action observation
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation