Motor imagery during action observation enhances imitation of everyday rhythmical actions in children with and without developmental coordination disorder.

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) exhibit deficits both in imitation and motor imagery (MI) compared to typically developing children. Combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) instructions can however enhance automatic imitation in both groups. In the present study we investigated the effects of AO + MI instructions on intentional imitation in children both with (n = 13) and without DCD (n = 12).

Motor imagery during action observation enhances automatic imitation in children with and without developmental coordination disorder.

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by uncoordinated movement relative to age. While action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) can both independently enhance movement skills in children, we report the first study to assess the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) on automatic imitation in children aged 7-12 years both with DCD (n = 12) and without DCD (n = 12). On each trial, participants planned to execute an instructed rhythmical action (face washing or paint brushing).