Recommendations for Combining Action Observation and Motor Imagery Interventions in Sport

Abstract

Combined action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) interventions involve observing a movement demonstration, usually via video, whilst at the same time imagining the feelings and sensations involved in executing the observed action. Research findings indicate that AOMI interventions can be effective for improving sport performance, yet no guidelines currently exist within the literature to inform applied sport psychologists how to develop and implement AOMI interventions with athletes. The aim of this article is to address this gap in the applied sport psychology literature. Accordingly, the article provides an overview of the 'Science of AOMI' by discussing the neurophysiological, cognitive, psychological and performance effects of AOMI interventions to introduce the concept of AOMI and potential benefits of AOMI interventions in sport. The article then covers the 'Practice of AOMI' by discussing practical recommendations for applied sport psychologists on how to develop and implement AOMI interventions for performance enhancement purposes. Important considerations related to filming the action observation video are discussed, such as selection of the model and choice of visual perspective. Guidelines are then provided for developing and delivering personalized kinesthetic imagery instructions for use by the athlete in synchrony with action observation.Action observation (AO) involves watching the movements of either one's self or other people, usually via video or live demonstrations (Neuman & Gray, 2013). Motor imagery (MI) involves imagining the visual and kinesthetic aspects of movement execution (Eaves et al., 2016). It is well-established that both AO (see Ashford et al., 2006;Ste-Marie et al., 2012) and MI (see Simonsmeier et al., 2020) are effective for improving motor skill performance and learning, particularly when incorporated alongside physical training. As such, applied sport psychologists may use both techniques when working with athletes for performance enhancement purposes.

Combinations of action observation and motor imagery on golf putting’s performance

“…So performers can direct their attention to the key point of the movement. On the other hand, MI provides kinesthetic sensations in muscles and joints during motor imagery ( Wright, Frank & Bruton, 2021 ). MI strengthens performers’ memories on trunk and limbs’ angles while performing, or manipulates sporting tools with appropriate speed and force.…”

“…, Ram et al, 2007 ; Neuman & Gray, 2013 ). However, it is suggested that combing MI and AO together ( i.e., AOMI) is even better than practicing them separately ( Eaves et al, 2016 ; Vogt et al, 2013 ; Wright, Frank & Bruton, 2021 ). The general procedure to perform an AOMI intervention is to ask participants to observe the actions presented in videos and imagine the physiological sensations/ behavioral responses either synchronisedly or serially ( e.g.…”

“…, Romano-Smith, Wright & Wakefield, 2018 ; Scott et al, 2018 ; Sun et al, 2016 ). By such an approach, it is contended that participants will gain visual information of a novel motor skill during action observation or kinesthetic feeling in muscles/ joints during motor imagery ( Wright, Frank & Bruton, 2021 ). Further, either visual information regarding movement technique during action observation or kinesthetic feelings during motor imagery enable participants to focus their attention toward movement execution ( Eaves et al., 2016 ).…”

“…Results found AO and MI intervention improved patients’ arms’ functionality and performance. In a narrative study, Wright, Frank & Bruton (2021) provided an overview of the literature of AOMI and discussed the neurophysiological, cognitive, psychological, and performance effects of AOMI interventions. They proposed several practical recommendations for practitioners on how to develop and implement AOMI interventions for performance enhancement.…”

Motor Imagery and Action Observation: A Case for the Integration of 360°VR

“…More recently, researchers have advocated for combining techniques such as action observation (AO) with MI to facilitate greater improvements in performance relative to MI or AO delivered as separate interventions (Eaves et al, 2016 ; Wright et al, 2021 ). AO involves observing actions displayed via video or physical demonstration of another individual or self with the intention of replicating the observed movement (Wright et al, 2021 ).…”