Brain plasticity in Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait induced by action observation training

2016 ◽  
Vol 264 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Agosta ◽  
Roberto Gatti ◽  
Elisabetta Sarasso ◽  
Maria Antonietta Volonté ◽  
Elisa Canu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Freezing Of Gait ◽  
Observation Training

scholarly journals Effect of Group-Based Rehabilitation Combining Action Observation with Physiotherapy on Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Pelosin ◽  
Roberta Barella ◽  
Cristina Bet ◽  
Elisabetta Magioncalda ◽  
Martina Putzolu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Physical Training ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Freezing Of Gait ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Scale

Freezing of gait (FoG) is among the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Recent studies showed that action observation training (AOT) with repetitive practice of the observed actions represents a strategy to induce longer-lasting effects compared with standard physiotherapy. We investigated whether AOT may improve FoG and mobility in PD, when AOT is applied in a group-based setting. Sixty-four participants with PD and FoG were assigned to the experimental (AO) or control groups and underwent a 45-minute training session, twice a week, for 5 weeks. AOT consisted in physical training combined with action observation whereas the control group executed the same physical training combined with landscape-videos observation. Outcome measures (FoG questionnaire, Timed Up and Go test, 10-meter walking test, and Berg balance scale) were evaluated before training, at the end of training, and 4 weeks later (FU-4w). Both groups showed positive changes in all outcome measures at posttraining assessment. Improvements in FoG questionnaire, Timed Up and Go test, and Berg balance scale were retained at FU-4w evaluation only in the AOT group. AOT group-based training is feasible and effective on FoG and motor performance in PD patients and may be introduced as an adjunctive option in PD rehabilitation program.

scholarly journals Functional Correlates of Action Observation of Gait in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Giulia Bommarito ◽  
Martina Putzolu ◽  
Laura Avanzino ◽  
Carola Cosentino ◽  
Alessandro Botta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Freezing Of Gait ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Human Gait ◽  
Gait Velocity ◽  
Gait Performance

Background. Action observation (AO) relies on the mirror neuron system (MNS) and has been proposed as a rehabilitation tool in Parkinson’s disease (PD), in particular for gait disorder such as freezing of gait (FOG). In this study, we aimed to explore the brain functional correlates of the observation of human gait in PD patients with (FOG+) and without (FOG-) FOG and to investigate a possible relationship between AO-induced brain activation and gait performance. Methods. Fifty-four participants were enrolled in the study (15 PD FOG+; 18 PD FOG-; 21 healthy subjects (HS)) which consisted of two tasks in two separate days: (i) gait assessment and (ii) task-fMRI during AO of gait. Differences between patients with PD (FOG+ and FOG-) and HS were assessed at the level of behavioral and functional analysis. Results. Gait parameters, including gait velocity, stride length, and their coefficients of variability (CV), were different in PD patients compared to HS, whereas gait performance was similar between FOG+ and FOG-. The PD group, compared to HS, presented reduced functional activation in the frontal, cingulum, and parietooccipital regions. Reduced activity was more pronounced in the FOG+ group, compared to both HS and FOG- groups. Gait variability positively correlated with precuneus neural activity in the FOG+ group. Discussion. Patients with PD present a reduced functional activity during AO of gait, especially if FOG+. A baseline knowledge of the neural correlates of AO of gait in the clinical routine “on” status would help for the design of future AO rehabilitative interventions.

scholarly journals Postural and Balance Disorders in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Prospective Open-Label Feasibility Study with Two Months of Action Observation Treatment

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Santamato ◽  
Maurizio Ranieri ◽  
Nicoletta Cinone ◽  
Lucia Anna Stuppiello ◽  
Giovanni Valeno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Freezing Of Gait ◽  
Postural Instability ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Balance Disorders ◽  
The Impact

Action observation treatment has been proposed as therapeutic option in rehabilitation of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD) to improve freezing of gait episodes. The purpose of this prospective open-label feasibility study was to evaluate the impact of 8-week action observation training (video-therapy) for the treatment of postural instability and balance impairment in PD patients. Fifteen PD patients aged under 80 years with scores of 1 to 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr staging and without evidence of freezing of gait were recruited. They underwent 24 sessions of video-therapy training based on carefully watching video clips on motor tasks linked to balance, subsequently performing the same observed movements. No statistically significant differences were observed in the identified outcome measures with the Berg Balance Scale and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale after two months of follow-up. In the present study, a short course of action observation treatment seems to be not effective in reducing balance impairments and postural instability in patients affected by mild to moderate PD. Further studies with larger samples, longer follow-up period, and standardized protocols of action observation treatment are needed to investigate the effects of this rehabilitation technique in the management of postural and balance disorders of PD patients.

scholarly journals Action Observation Improves Freezing of Gait in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 746-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Pelosin ◽  
Laura Avanzino ◽  
Marco Bove ◽  
Paola Stramesi ◽  
Alice Nieuwboer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Physical Training ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Freezing Of Gait ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Video Clips ◽  
Action Group

Background. Freezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling impairment for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may not respond to medications. The effectiveness of physical therapy for FOG is debatable. Action observation strategies to overcome FOG may enhance physical training. Objective. To assess whether action observation, combined with practicing the observed actions, may reduce FOG episodes. Methods. Twenty patients with PD entered a single-blind trial and were randomly assigned to the experimental (Action) or control (Landscape) groups. Those in the Action group watched video clips showing specific movements and strategies to circumvent FOG episodes, whereas those in the Landscape group watched video clips of static pictures showing different landscapes. All patients underwent identical physical therapy training, 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks. Results. The FOG Questionnaire score and the number of FOG episodes were significantly reduced in both groups after the training period. At follow-up examination (4 weeks after the end of the intervention), a significant reduction in the number of FOG episodes was observed only in the Action group. Motor performance (walking and balance) and quality-of-life assessments were significantly improved in both groups at the end of training and at follow-up. Conclusions. Our results suggest that action observation has a positive additional effect on recovery of walking ability in PD patients with FOG. Further studies on the combination of observation and imitation to supplement a physical training program may result in an innovative rehabilitative approach for FOG.

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