Single session of action observation in choice reaction time in healthy children

Abstract Aim: Learning by action observation (AO) is a fundamental cognitive ability existing from birth either in live or in the video. However, the specific AO training, in live or in the video, can influence decision making and motor planning in healthy children? This study aimed to evaluate if a single session of both practices (live and video) modifies the choice reaction time during reaching tasks in healthy children. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and randomized study with 22 children aged 6 to 8 years. We measured the choice reaction time (CRT) by electromyography at baseline and after both practices. Data were analyzed using Friedman and posthoc Dunn non-parametric tests for each age group individually as well as all ages combined. Kurtosis analysis was performed to assess data variability. Results: Significant decrease in CRT was observed after action observation in the video in 8-year-olds. Also, we observed choice reaction time variability reduction in 8-year-olds after both practices compared to that at baseline. Conclusion: A decrease in CRT was observed after the single session of action observation in the video in 8-year-olds. Additionally, there was a reduced variability in CRT after performing both practices in the same age group.

Controle de tronco e sua relação com quadro clínico, área comprometida e fase pós-acidente vascular encefálico / Control de tronco y su relación con cuadro clínico, área comprometida y fase post-accidente vascular encefálico / Trunk control and its relation with clinical condition, central anatomic area and post-cerebrovascular accident phase

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar pacientes com acidente vascular encefálico (AVE), correlacionando as pontuações da escala de equilíbrio de tronco (EDT) com a área da lesão, idade, o quadro clínico e seu estágio de evolução. Foram avaliados 78 pacientes por meio da EDT e da caracterização, com análise dos seguintes dados: tipo de AVE, fase da doença, quadro clínico, área cerebral comprometida, sexo e fatores de risco. Os resultados mostram que não houve relação entre a pontuação da EDT e as demais variáveis. Estes achados levam a concluir que o controle de tronco pode ser algo bastante particular que, portanto, requer uma avaliação específica nos casos de AVE, e a EDT pode ser uma ferramenta para tal finalidade. As variáveis de caracterização testadas não foram fatores determinantes de padrões típicos de controle postural.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar pacientes con accidente vascular encefálico (AVE), relacionando las puntuaciones de la escala de equilibrio de tronco (EDT) con el área de la lesión, edad, el cuadro clínico y su etapa de evolución. Se evaluaron 78 pacientes por medio de la EDT y la caracterización, con análisis de los siguientes datos: tipo de AVE, fase de la enfermedad, cuadro clínico, área cerebral comprometida, género y factores de riesgo. Los resultados muestran que no hubo relación entre la puntuación de EDT y las demás variables. Estos hallazgos llevan a concluir que el control de tronco puede ser algo muy particular que, por lo tanto, requiere una evaluación específica en los casos de AVE, y la EDT puede ser una herramienta para ello. Las variables de caracterización probadas no fueron factores determinantes de patrones típicos de control postural.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to characterize cerebrovascular accident patients, correlating the findings of the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) with the location of the lesion, age, clinical condition and stage of evolution. 78 patients were evaluated through TIS and the characterization, with analysis of the following data: type of stroke, stage of the disease; clinical condition; compromised brain area; sex and risk factors. The results show that there was no relation between the TIS score and the other variables. These findings lead us to conclude that trunk control may be something very particular, therefore, requiring a specific evaluation in cases of stroke, and the TIS may be a possible instrument for such purpose. The characterization variables tested were not determinants of typical patterns of postural control.