Influence of Joint-Specific Action Observation Training on Ambulatory Function in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of joint-focused action observation training (AOT) in improving the gait of patients with chronic stroke.Methods: Twenty-two chronic stroke patients were assigned randomly to three groups: AOT group, Action Observation only (AO) group, and control (C) group.The AOT group underwent 15 minutes of action observation followed by 15 minutes of physical training three times per week for six weeks.The AO group received only action observation without physical practice, while the control group received neither.All participants also received conventional neurodevelopmental treatment.The gait and balance were assessed using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (mEFAP), and 10-meter walking test (10MWT).Nonparametric statistical methods were used for analysis.Results: The AOT group showed significant improvements in the TUG, mEFAP, and 10MWT scores after the intervention (p < 0.05), whereas the AO and control groups did not exhibit significant changes in TUG and mEFAP.Group comparisons revealed significant differences in outcome measures, with the AOT group showing superior improvements to the control group (p< 0.05).Conclusion: AOT effectively improved the gait and balance of chronic stroke patients.These findings support the clinical utility of AOT as an adjunctive intervention in stroke rehabilitation, particularly when customized with joint-focused video content.