J Korean Phys Ther.  2017 Feb;29(1):27-32. 10.18857/jkpt.2017.29.1.27.

Comparison of EEG Changes Induced by Action Execution and Action Observation

• Kim JY
• Ko YM
• Park JW

• KMID: 2385768
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2017.29.1.27

Abstract

PURPOSE
Recent electrophysiological studies have shown that the sensorymotor cortex is activated during both actual action excuted by themselves and observation of action performed by other persons. Observation of action based on mirror neuron system can be used as a cognitive intervention to promote motor learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the brain activity changes during action observation and action execution using EEG.
METHODS
Thirty healthy volunteers participated and were requested to perform hand action and to observe the video of hand action performed by another person. The EEG activity was evaluated by a method which segregated the time-locked for each condition. To compare the differences between action observation and execution, the Mu suppression and the relative band power were analysed.
RESULTS
The results showed significant mu suppression during the action observation and execution, but the differences between the two conditions were not observed. The relative band power showed a significant difference during the action observation and execution, but there were no differences between the two conditions.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that action execution and observation involve overlapping neural networks in the sensorymotor cortical areas, proposing positive changes on neurophysiology. We are expected to provide information related to the intervention of cognitive rehabilitation.

Keyword

Electroencephalography; Mu rhythm; Relative band power; Action observation

MeSH Terms

Brain
Electroencephalography*
Hand
Healthy Volunteers
Humans
Learning
Methods
Mirror Neurons
Neurophysiology
Rehabilitation