Action observation and motor imagery

Action observation and motor imagery

Strategies from this category are aimed at observing and mimicking someone else's gait (action-observation), or at visualizing gait (motor imagery). Both processes probably stimulate the activation of mirror neurons, thereby helping to improve gait.

The idea is that by using action observation and/or motor imagery, walking becomes more goal-oriented, rather than automatic. Often it is precisely the autopilot of walking that is disturbed in Parkinson's disease. In this way the autopilot is ‘bypassed’.

Examples of action observation and/or motor imagery

Below are some examples of action observation and motor imagery that you may want to try out for yourself - or with your therapist. The action observation and motor imagery page also offers videos of people who successfully use different strategies to improve walking.

• Look at another person and imitate their pace, posture or movements

• Follow someone in a crowded environment

• Follow an imaginary person

• View and possibly correct walking in a mirror or shopping window

• Visualize (imagine) how you walk and correct it if necessary

• Visualize (imagine) how you used to walk, or how walking would ideally be and try to mimic that

• Visualize (imagine) that you have to step on certain step tiles, or follow in someone's footsteps

• Visualize (imagine) that you have to step over something

• Visualize (and possibly act out) that you are holding something that offers support (eg a handrail, rope, or a shoulder)

Do you have anything to add?

Are you using an external cue that is not yet included in our overview? We'd appreciate it if you would submit your compensation strategy so that other people can benefit from your creative find!