Top-down and bottom-up processes during observation: implications for motor learning.
Neurophysiological and behavioural research has linked observational practice (OP) to a mirroring mechanism encompassing the action-observation network (AON). Although, the original findings indicate that biological stimuli alone activate the AON, recent evidence has shown sensitivity to non-biological stimuli. Thus, the AON is suggested to be influenced by interacting bottom-up and top-down processes. In this review, we describe the multi-functional properties of the AON and discuss the implications for OP and subsequent motor learning.
a Brain and Behaviour Laboratory , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK.
James W
JW
Roberts
Simon J
SJ
Bennett
Digby
D
Elliott
Spencer J
SJ
Hayes
D006801:Humans; D007100:Imitative Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*