Effects of self-action observation on standing balance learning: A change of brain activity detected using functional near-infrared spectroscopy

• Published in: NeuroRehabilitation (Reading, Mass.) Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 579 - 585
• Main Authors: Hiyamizu, Makoto, Maeoka, Hiroshi, Matsuo, Atsushi, Morioka, Shu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2014
• Subjects: Brain - physiology; Cerebral Cortex - metabolism; Cerebral Cortex - physiology; Female; Humans; Learning - physiology; Male; Motor Skills - physiology; Observation - methods; Oxyhemoglobins - metabolism; Postural Balance - physiology; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared - methods; Young Adult; fNIRS; Action observation; balance; motor learning
• ISSN: 1053-8135; 1878-6448; 1878-6448
• DOI: 10.3233/NRE-141153

Background: Studies suggest that the observation of others' actions leads to enhanced motor skill learning. Objective: We examined whether others' or self-action observation is effective for standing balance learning. In addition, we examined cortical activation during action observation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Methods: Thirty-nine healthy young subjects were assigned randomly to the Control, Other-Observation (O-O), and Self-Observation (S-O) groups. The subjects learned to stand on a tilting platform while maintaining a horizontal position. The Control group alternated each trial with a rest period. The O-O and S-O groups were provided with information related to their performance during the rest period: the O-O group observed another person, while the S-O group observed their previous performance. Cortical activation was assessed by changes of hemoglobin oxygenation (oxyHb). Results: A 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures on balance performance revealed a significant difference in post-training (p < 0.05) and retention (p < 0.01) only in the S-O group. And an increase of oxyHb levels at post-training in the S-O group was observed in the supplementary motor area. Conclusion: Self-action observation improved standing balance and brain activity during training and at 24 h after training.