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Lookup NU author(s): Jack Binks, Dr Ryan KennyORCiD, Dr Daniel EavesORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Behavioural research indicates that motor learning can be enhanced using combined action observation and motor imagery (AO+MI) in healthy adults. Notable inconsistencies remain, however, across AO+MI study designs. Our aim was to systematically search major academic databases to evaluate AO+MI practice effects on motor learning in healthy adults (search completed March 2024). Eligible peer-reviewed studies included randomised and non-randomised controlled trials comparing AO+MI against AO, MI, or controls, written in English. AO+MI was delivered synchronously or asynchronously, with a physical post, retention, or transfer test. Studies involving physical practice during mental practice were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool, and findings were narratively synthesised. Seventeen studies comprised 34 AO+MI groups across 10 tasks. Positive effects for AO+MI (n=422) were observed, compared to AO (n=99), MI (n=98), and controls (n=227), across tasks, modalities and training durations, and when mentally practised and physically executed actions differed. Limitations included inconsistent terminology, ill-defined interventions, and a lack of retention and transfer tests. While AO+MI represents a widely applicable practice augmentation for motor skill development, we recommend designing the right intervention for the right individual. Future research must curb the proliferation of terminology and refine intervention designs to support scientific progress.
Author(s): Binks JA, Kenny RPW, van Schaik P, Wilson CJ, Lin D, Binks TJ, Eaves DL
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Year: 2025
Pages: epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 13/11/2025
Acceptance date: 09/10/2025
Date deposited: 22/11/2025
ISSN (print): 1750-984X
ISSN (electronic): 1750-9858
Publisher: Routledge
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2025.2575511
DOI: 10.1080/1750984X.2025.2575511
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