Citation

Tia B, Mourey F, Ballay Y, Sirandré C, Pozzo T, Paizis C. Neurosci. Lett. 2010; 480(2): 138-142.

Affiliation

Motricité et Plasticité, INSERM/U877, Université de Bourgogne, Campus Universitaire, B.P. 27877 21078 Dijon, France; Gérontopôle, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, 2 rue Jules Violle, BP 87909 21079 Dijon Cedex, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.neulet.2010.06.026

PMID

20547207

Abstract

Action observation influences action execution; this strong coupling is underlined by an overlap of cortical areas activated during observation and execution of action, and is dependent of specific motor experience. The goal of the present study was to verify if action observation can be used for rehabilitation of elderly people. We tested this question with a protocol of observational practice of 2 frequently used movements: walking and sit-to-stand/back-to-sit. Both tasks were performed at normal and maximal speed before and after training, by 8 elderly subjects. Observational practice led to an increase in walking velocity via an increase in step frequency, but without modification of step length. In addition, we noted a reduction in BTS duration, but no modification of STS duration. These results highlight the fact that observational practice induces a reactivation in mental representation of action, and may lead to better movement control. Overall, observational practice offers interesting perspectives for rehabilitation of elderly people.

Language: en