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 (following the PETTLEP model of imagery)
Motor Imagery (MI)
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1
Check Readiness and Choose a Task
Check imagery capacity and select a meaningful, achievable action. Begin with guided practice; relaxation and breathing exercises may help preparation.
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2
Build the Scene
Develop a simple imagery script with the person, adding relevant sights, sounds and smells from the task’s environment.
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3
Imagine Movement and Touch
Without physically moving, imagine the sensations of performing the action, for example, reaching for an object, gripping a racket or feeling the feet push against the ground.
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4
Use a First-Person Perspective
Imagine the action through your own eyes: “imagine what you would see if you were doing the movement.”
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5
Match Real-Time Speed
Imagine the action taking the same time as physically performing it.
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6
Include a Positive Feeling
Add an appropriate sense of confidence or pride in completing the task.
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7
Repeat, Check and Progress
Intersperse imagery with physical execution where possible and appropriate. Ask the person to describe their imagery or compare imagined and actual movement times; use feedback to refine the script and gradually increase challenge. Encourage independent practice once they can use the technique confidently and accurately.
Best practices
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Co-Design Meaningful Imagery
Build scripts around achievable actions, using sensory details and positive feelings that are relevant to the person and their practice setting.
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Prioritise Movement Sensations
Emphasise how movement and touch feel, alongside a first-person view and timing that matches actual performance.
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Start with Guided Practice
Begin with support from someone familiar with the technique, such as a therapist, coach or teacher, and encourage independent practice once the person demonstrates understanding and competence.
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Check and Refine the Imagery
Ask the person to describe what they imagined or compare imagined and actual movement times; adapt the script using their feedback.
In practice
Personalise the Content
- Choose a meaningful action and develop sensory details with the person, including relevant sights, sounds and touch.
Include Movement and Emotion
- Emphasise movement sensations, first-person perspective, realistic timing and an appropriate positive feeling.
Begin with Guidance
- Introduce the script with support to establish understanding and engagement. Relaxation and breathing exercises may help preparation.
Build Independence
- Encourage self-directed practice once the person demonstrates competence, refining the script as their needs change.
Imagine, Then Execute
- Where possible and appropriate, intersperse imagery with physical execution of the same action.
Integrate with Rehabilitation
- In the stroke studies reviewed, MI was frequently combined with conventional therapy. Physical movement is not required during imagery itself.
Check the Imagery Experience
- Ask the person to describe what they imagined and, where physical execution is possible, compare imagined and actual movement times.
Refine the Script
- Adjust sensory prompts and task details using feedback, progressing from simple actions towards greater challenge.