Neuroscience Clinical Trial
Official title:
Effects of Motor Imagery and Action Observation on Electromyographic Activity and Intramuscular Oxygenation in the Hand Gripping Gesture
Motor imagery is defined as a dynamic mental process of an action, without its real motor execution. Action observation training consists of watching an action performed by someone else. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of motor imagery and action observation combined with a hand grip strength program on strength gains in asymptomatic participants. The secondary objective was to assess the influence of motor imagery and action observation training combined with a hand grip strength program on electromyographic activity and intramuscular oxygenation of the forearm muscles.
Motor imagery is defined as a dynamic mental process of an action, without its real motor
execution. Action observation training consists of watching an action performed by someone
else. Both motor imagery and action observation have been shown to produce a
neurophysiological activation of the brain areas related to the planning and execution of
voluntary movement in a manner that resembles how the action is performed in reality.
Several studies have shown that patients can report a significant improvement in strength
with motor imagery training. There is also evidence regarding the improvements in motor
skills in participants who perform motor imagery training combined with mirror therapy. Motor
imagery is recognized as one of the most popular and effective forms of training to improve
learning strategies and to increase the capacity to perfect sports movements, as has been
observed in rhythmic gymnastics athletes.
In addition to the previously mentioned adaptations, a recent research proved that motor
imagery and action observation provoke an activation of the sympathetic-excitatory nervous
system. Changes in respiration, heart rate and skin temperature are produced, as well as an
increase in electrodermal activity.
Both motor imagery and action observation are interventions that can generate adaptive
neuroplastic changes on a cortical level, leading to a decrease in chronic pain. These
rehabilitation techniques are used in pain treatment and impaired movement injuries that
could be due to a nervous system alteration.
Action observation effectively facilitates motor learning, and is a tool for rehabilitation
in neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Action observation training leads to
significant improvements in static balance and helps improve gait in patients with
hemiparesis after an ictus.
A recent study showed that the patient's functionality loss is lessened if motor imagery and
action observation are applied after an immobilization process, reducing the loss of wrist
mobility, strength and muscle mass.
The effectiveness of motor imagery is controversial; several studies have presented
unfavorable outcomes from this technique. Some variables, such as the duration of the
sessions, the time employed the type of motor task or the number of sessions can influence
the outcomes of these studies. Thus, it is necessary to clarify the controversial aspects of
motor imagery, which lead us to perform this study.
This study evaluates variables that have not yet shown conclusive results: intramuscular
oxygenation and electromyography. Focusing principally on the effectiveness of the treatment
and the adaptations that are generated on an intramuscular level leads to a better
understanding of what occurs as a result of training with motor imagery and action
observation, and also whether these variables influence the effectiveness of the treatment.
Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of motor imagery
and action observation combined with a hand grip strength program on strength gains in
asymptomatic participants. The secondary objective was to assess the influence of motor
imagery and action observation training combined with a hand grip strength program on
electromyographic activity and intramuscular oxygenation of the forearm muscles.
;
| Status | Clinical Trial | Phase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completed |
NCT01223014 -
Study Evaluating Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) of Single Dose [14C] AZD2423 in Volunteers
|
Phase 1 | |
| Recruiting |
NCT05201534 -
Interventions in Mathematics and Cognitive Skills
|
N/A | |
| Not yet recruiting |
NCT03998787 -
Metabotropic Receptors For Glutamate Type 3 In Parkinson's
|
||
| Recruiting |
NCT06264063 -
Study of Behavioral Dysfunctions and Related Neuronal Correlates in Patients With Dystonia
|
N/A | |
| Not yet recruiting |
NCT03781557 -
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplement in Cognition of Young Healthy Adults and in Their Reaction Time of Computerized Test After 3 Months of Taking High-concentrated DHA and EPA Fish Softgels
|
Phase 4 | |
| Recruiting |
NCT06251479 -
Study of the Dynamics of Verbal and Non-verbal Interaction in Healthy Subjects, Through the Recording of Body Movements and Non-invasive Neurophysiological Techniques
|
N/A | |
| Recruiting |
NCT05084300 -
Effectiveness Pain Neuroscience Education In The Executive Functions In Patients With Fibromyalgia
|
N/A |