title: Effects of self-action observation on standing balance learning: A change of brain activity detected using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-action observation improved standing balance and brain activity during training and at 24 h after training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Nara, Japan Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hiyamizu
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Nara, Japan Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Maeoka
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Nara, Japan Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Nara, Japan Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Shu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morioka
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D019370:Observation / Q000379:methods*; D010108:Oxyhemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010108:Oxyhemoglobins
keywords: Action observation; balance; fNIRS; motor learning