Effects of action observation training on the walking ability of patients post stroke: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

To determine the effect of action observation (AO) training on the walking ability of patients post stroke.

Methods

MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PEDro were searched systematically for human studies written in English up to August 31st 2021. Two authors screened titles and abstracts against predefined inclusion criteria; a third author resolved discrepancies. Data were analyzed through qualitative synthesis. Articles evaluating the effects of AO training on the walking ability of patients post stroke were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.

Results

From first search that included 1,578 studies, 7 were included in this review. According to the PEDro scale, most of the studies exhibited a methodological quality between Good and Fair (N = 6). Most of the studies applied a protocol based on a 30-minute training session applied 3 to 5 times per week over a 4-week period (N = 5). Using clinical measures and gait parameters, all studies confirmed the beneficial effects of AO training on walking ability. However, the effects of AO training on walking ability were not confirmed at the long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

AO training has a positive effect on the walking ability of patients post stroke. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results across the entire spectrum of patient’s post stoke including long-term clinical effects.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Action observation training can have potentially positive effects on the walking ability of stroke patients.

• Clinical measurements (10-meter walk test) and gait parameters (stride length and gait speed) could be used to assess the effect of action observation training on walking ability.

• The patient's concentration is an important factor to consider when applying observational training.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• action observation
• walking ability
• gait
• clinical trials

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.