title: Action observation training for functional activities after stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to compare the effects of action observation training and motor imagery training on recovery from chronic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients who were more than six months post stroke participated in this study and were randomly allocated to three groups. The action observation training group practiced additional action observation training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period. The motor imagery training group practiced additional motor imagery training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period. The following clinical measures were used for assessment of dynamic balance and gait abilities: Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reaching Test, Walking Ability Questionnaire, and Functional Ambulation Category. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were also collected using a GAITRite system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the physical training group, the action observation training group showed significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go test, gait speed, cadence, and single limb support of the affected side. No significant differences in any of the outcome measures were observed between the action observation training group and the motor imagery training group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Action observation training and motor imagery training results in improvement of dynamic balance and gait ability. These results suggest the feasibility and suitability of action observation training for patients with chronic stroke.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Welfare, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Byoung-Hee
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking
keywords: Stroke; action observation; balance; gait; mirror neuron