The effects of action observational training on walking ability in chronic stroke patients: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract

These results suggest that action observational training is an effective method for improvement of the walking ability in chronic stroke patients.

Action observation training enhances upper extremity function in subacute stroke survivor with moderate impairment: a double-blind, randomized controlled pilot trial

“…observational training, observation of walking activity had a more significant effect on balance, walking speed, and endurance compared with the observation of a nature video unrelated to gait training for the same amount time (Bang et al, 2013). These results suggest that, in comparison to simple task-specific training, additional action observation training may be a beneficial strategy for motor function recovery after stroke (Buccino et al, 2006).…”

“…We prepared video clips in which the speed was varied across 3 phases for each task. This protocol allowed participants with stroke to correctly observe the movements performed (Bang et al, 2013). After watching the video, participants were asked to recall the observed movements during a 1 minute break period, after which they were required to practice the same movements.…”

“…However, most of the studies that have been conducted to date have only evaluated the effects of action observation training on upper extremity function in the early or chronic stage (Bang et al, 2013). Little is known about the effects of this approach in the subacute stage.…”

The Effect of Treadmill Training Applied Simultaneously with Action Observation on Walking Ability in Chronic Stroke Patients

“…37 Pohl et al 22 divided the stroke patients into 3 groups, namely, regular treadmill training group, treadmill training group in which the speed was gradually in- comparison between the groups showed that there was no significant difference between them. In the study of Bang et al 28 10-minute action observation training and 30-minute physical training were conducted, and as a result a significant difference was shown in 6 MWD between groups. However, in this study, it is thought that there was no significant difference between groups due to the 20-minute of short intervention time of the treadmill applied simultaneously with action observation.…”

“…26,27 Other studies have also supported the effectiveness of action observation training for the improvement of walking ability and balance ability in stroke patients. [28][29][30] When healthy subjects were observed while walking and crossing over obstacles on a treadmill, the anterior tibialis and soleus muscles showed the same reflex control as crossing over actual obstacles.…”