The effect of action observation and motor imagery combinations on upper limb kinematics and EMG during dart‐throwing

• DOI: 10.1111/sms.13534
• Publication Date: 2019-08-06T10:28:40Z
• Authors: Stephanie Romano ...; Greg Wood; Ginny Coyles; James W. Roberts; Caroline J. Wakef...
• Keywords: Motor Imagery; Motor Control; Motor Learning

Recent research has begun to employ interventions that combine action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) with positive results. However, little is known about the underpinning facilitative effect on performance. Participants (n = 50) were randomly allocated one of five training groups: (AO), (MI), simultaneous (S‐AOMI), alternate (A‐AOMI), control. The task involved dart‐throwing at a concentric circle dartboard pre‐ post‐test. Interventions conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Data collected from performance outcomes mean muscle activation upper forearm muscles. Angular velocity peak angular measurements elbow also throwing arm. Results showed A‐AOMI group improved significantly greater degree than AO ( P .04), MI control .02), S‐AOMI .02). Mean triceps brachii reduced in < .01) groups, participants A‐AOMI, groups bicep Peak decreased post‐test both groups. results reaffirm benefits AOMI facilitating skill learning provide an insight how these produce favorable changes EMG movement kinematics.