Could Action Observation Help Patients with Brain Injuries?
Imaging studies of the action observation network (AON) have helped scientists identify a powerful learning system in the brain that links perceived actions and self-generated behavior. These findings are generating excitement in the field of rehabilitation medicine because they suggest new approaches to help train people trying to regain motor function after brain injury from stroke or trauma. Observing others’ actions, the theory goes, might activate still-healthy brain circuits—including the AON—and accelerate recovery. There are two potential limitations, however. First, it would be naive to assume that all observations of actions in the physical world can directly transfer to performing a similar action without some trial-and-error learning. While observational learning supported by the AON probably provides a rough template for movement, real physical practice ultimately is unlikely to have a substitute. Therefore, a patient must have enough undamaged motor pathways from the brai
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