Active vision during action execution, observation and imagery: evidence for shared motor representations

PLoS One. 2013 Jun 25;8(6):e67761. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067761. Print 2013.

Abstract

The concept of shared motor representations between action execution and various covert conditions has been demonstrated through a number of psychophysiological modalities over the past two decades. Rarely, however, have researchers considered the congruence of physical, imaginary and observed movement markers in a single paradigm and never in a design where eye movement metrics are the markers. In this study, participants were required to perform a forward reach and point Fitts' Task on a digitizing tablet whilst wearing an eye movement system. Gaze metrics were used to compare behaviour congruence between action execution, action observation, and guided and unguided movement imagery conditions. The data showed that participants attended the same task-related visual cues between conditions but the strategy was different. Specifically, the number of fixations was significantly different between action execution and all covert conditions. In addition, fixation duration was congruent between action execution and action observation only, and both conditions displayed an indirect Fitts' Law effect. We therefore extend the understanding of the common motor representation by demonstrating, for the first time, common spatial eye movement metrics across simulation conditions and some specific temporal congruence for action execution and action observation. Our findings suggest that action observation may be an effective technique in supporting motor processes. The use of video as an adjunct to physical techniques may be beneficial in supporting motor planning in both performance and clinical rehabilitation environments.

MeSH terms

  • Eye Movements / physiology
  • Fixation, Ocular / physiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Visual Perception*

Grants and funding

This project was part of a university funded series of studies. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.