Open AccessObservation of others’ actions during limb immobilization prevents the subsequent decay of motor performance
Author(s) -
Doriana De Marco,
Emilia Scalona,
Maria Chiara Bazzini,
Arturo Nuara,
Elisa Taglione,
Nicola Lopomo,
Giacomo Rizzolatti,
Maddalena Fabbri-Destro,
Pietro Avanzini
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2025979118
Subject(s) - physical medicine and rehabilitation , motor system , rehabilitation , lower limb , medicine , motor control , upper limb , orthopedic surgery , peripheral , psychology , neuroscience , physical therapy , surgery
Significance In several clinical conditions, especially those related to orthopedic trauma or specific injuries of the peripheral nervous system, patients may experience a period of limb nonuse that has detrimental cascade effects on corticomotor organization and ultimately, on motor performance. During limb nonuse, treatments based on action observation may be suitable for stimulating the motor system via the mirror mechanism. Using short-term immobilization in healthy volunteers, our study showed that administering action observation during immobilization limits the movement alterations induced by limb nonuse. Given action observation’s protective role against the decline of motor performance, it represents a valid tool for early interventions during limb nonuse, thus reducing the burden of further motor rehabilitation.