The Effect of Motor Learning of Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) Through Action Observation on Mu Rhythm and Improvement of Behavior Abilities

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was investigate whether an action observation would have an effect on the action that requires task understanding in humans. METHODS: Participants who met the criteria for this study (n = 36). To evaluate the performance, reaction time and performance accuracy, the stimulus scheduling software was employed. For the electroencephalogram, the equipment QEEG-8 was used. RESULTS: Concerning the reaction time of the groups of different learning methods a significant difference was found after the learning among the three groups. Regarding the accuracy among the groups of different learning methods, significant difference was found in the action performance accuracy among the three groups. The relative mu power during the SRTT implementation was compared in the CZ, C3 and C4 regions before, during, and after the learning for each group. In the CZ and C4 region, a significant difference was found in the action observation group. In the C3 and C4 region a significant difference was found in the actual practice group. CONCLUSIONS: The result suggests that imitation and learning are involved even in the action that requires task understanding in humans. KEYWORDS: Accuracy; Mirror neuron system; Mu Rhythm; Reaction time; SRTT