How-to Guide
Delivery protocols, best practices and practical guidance for Action Observation, alternating AO+MI, synchronous AO+MI and Motor Imagery. The delivery wording accommodates different practice settings and populations.
Delivery protocol
Action Observation (AO)
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1
Create the Video
Record a clear, 30–60-second demonstration of the selected action, showing the complete movement sequence. Consider filming from a first-person perspective to enhance immersion, showing the action as the person would see it through their own eyes. A live demonstration can also be used. Choose a viewing position that makes the action easy to follow and imitate.
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2
Check Readiness and Select a Task
Check that the person can see the demonstration, attend and follow instructions. Choose a meaningful, goal-directed action suited to their abilities and goals, for example, a functional daily activity, skill or sporting movement.
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3
Watch the Movement
Show the demonstration and ask the person to pay attention to each step of the action.
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4
Try the Movement if Possible
Immediately invite the person to perform the same action, providing assistance if needed. Physical execution is optional and depends on their ability and whether movement is appropriate at that time.
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5
Repeat the Cycle
Repeat observation and, where possible, execution several times per session: “Let’s watch and try again.”
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6
Progress the Task
Move from simple components to more complex actions, matching the challenge to the person’s ability and goals.
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7
Monitor and Give Feedback
Check attention and performance, provide corrective feedback and adjust task difficulty as needed.
Best practices
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Choose Meaningful Actions
Use goal-directed tasks that match the person’s interests, abilities and goals in everyday life, play, rehabilitation or sport.
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Make the Demonstration Easy to Follow
Use a clear view and spatially compatible positioning: mirror-image when facing the person, or the corresponding limb when sitting or standing alongside.
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Focus Attention on the Whole Action
Use simple cues to help the person attend to each step and observe the complete movement sequence. Adapt the language to their understanding.
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Link Observation to Movement
Where possible and appropriate, invite immediate imitation, provide assistance as needed and use corrective feedback to guide practice.
In practice
Live or Recorded
- Use a live demonstration or a clear video showing the selected action.
Personalised Resources
- Record relevant tasks on a smartphone or tablet to support practice between guided sessions.
Compatible Positioning
- For limb movements, use a mirror-image demonstration when facing the person, or the corresponding limb when alongside.
First-Person Video
- Consider showing the action as the person would see it through their own eyes to enhance immersion.
Watch, Then Move
- Where possible and appropriate, follow observation with an immediate attempt at the same action.
Support Execution
- Provide assistance if needed. Observation can still be used when physical execution is not possible.
Build Task Complexity
- Progress from simple components to more complex, meaningful actions, using performance and feedback to guide difficulty.