Effect of action observation training on upper functioning and self-care in individuals with mental illness: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract

[Purpose] This pilot trial investigated the effects of action observation training on upper limb function and self-care abilities in individuals with mental disorders. [Participants and Methods] Thirty participants with mental disorders were randomly assigned to an action observation training group or a landscape observation training group. Both groups completed 20 sessions over four weeks. The action observation training group observed videos of self-care-related tasks and practiced the corresponding movements, whereas the landscape observation training group observed landscape images and performed free upper-limb movements. Upper limb function was assessed using the Manual Function Test, and self-care abilities were evaluated using the Korean-Modified Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure. [Results] Significant within-group improvements in Manual Function Test, Korean-Modified Barthel Index, and Functional Independence Measure scores were observed in the action observation training group. Between-group comparisons of change scores showed greater changes in these outcomes in the action observation training group than in the landscape observation training group. [Conclusion] Action observation training may support upper limb function and self-care abilities in individuals with mental disorders. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.