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Home-based action observation training improves walking performance, balance, and lower limb motor function in
Osman Karaca1, Ayşe Nur Tekin2
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, KTO Karatay University, Konya, Türkiye.
Background:
Stroke often impairs gait, balance, and motor functions. Action Observation Training (AOT), activating the mirror neuron system via goal-directed movement observation, may enhance motor recovery.
Objectives:
This study investigated the effects of an individualized home-based AOT (HB-AOT) program, combined with conventional physiotherapy, on walking, balance, and lower limb motor function in individuals with chronic stroke.
Methods:
Thirty individuals with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to HB-AOT or control groups. Both received conventional physiotherapy, while the HB-AOT group additionally performed individualized HB-AOT sessions three times weekly for eight weeks. Walking performance, balance, and lower limb motor function were assessed using the 2-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Lower Extremity (FMA-LE). Gait speed was derived from the 2-Minute Walk Test.
Results:
Both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements in gait speed, BBS, and FMA-LE scores (p < 0.05). The HB-AOT group achieved significantly greater gains in gait speed, BBS, and FMA-LE scores compared to controls (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Incorporating individualized HB-AOT with conventional therapy may enhance walking performance, balance, and lower limb motor recovery in chronic stroke, supporting its use as a complementary rehabilitation approach.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06501014.