human
***TASK*** the task is to summarize an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***INPUT*** the input is a biomedical literature 
    ***OUTPUT*** the output is the summary of an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***DOCUMENTATION*** 
    ***EXAMPLES*** 
    Input: Background : Previous reports have suggested that action observation training ( AOT ) is beneficial in enhancing the early learning of new motor tasks ; however , EEG-based investigation has received little attention for AOT . Objective : The purpose of this study was to illustrate the effects of AOT on h and dexterity and cortical activation in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis . Method : Twenty patients with post-stroke hemiparesis were r and omly divided into either the experimental group ( EG ) or control group ( CG ) , with 10 patients in each group . Prior to the execution of motor tasks ( carrying wooden blocks from one box to another ) , subjects in the EG and CG observed a video clip displaying the execution of the same motor task and pictures showing l and scapes , respectively . Outcome measures included the box and block test ( BBT ) to evaluate h and dexterity and EEG-based brain mapping to detect changes in cortical activation . Results : The BBT scores ( EG : 20.50 ± 6.62 at pre-test and 24.40 ± 5.42 at post-test ; CG : 20.20 ± 6.12 at pre-test and 20.60 ± 7.17 at post-test ) revealed significant main effects for the time and group and significant time-by-group interactions ( p < 0.05 ) . For the subjects in the EG , topographical representations obtained with the EEG-based brain mapping system were different in each session of the AOT and remarkable changes occurred from the 2nd session of AOT . Furthermore , the middle frontal gyrus was less active at post-test than at pre-test . Conclusions : These findings support that AOT may be beneficial in altering cortical activation patterns and h and dexterity The clinical impact of action observation ( AO ) on upper limb functional recovery in subacute stroke patients is recent evidence . We sought to test the hypothesis that training everyday life activities through AO coupled with task execution might activate the left hemisphere different from the right one . Sixty-seven first-ever ischemic stroke subjects were r and omly assigned to receive upper limb training coupled with AO tasks or st and ard rehabilitation . The groups were matched by age and gender , Bamford category , and interval from stroke and lesion side . Fugl-Meyer ( FM ) and Box and Block Test ( BBT ) were used to measure h and function recovery at the end ( T1 ) and 4 - 5 months after the treatment ( T2 ) . At T1 , FM was increased by 31 % ( ±26 % ) , of maximum achievable recovery , whereas BBT was increased by 17 % ( ±18 % ) ; at T2 , FM had reached 43 % ( ±45 % ) of maximum recovery , while BBT had reached 25 % ( ±22 % ) . Combining the effects of treatment to those of lesion side revealed significantly higher gains , in both FM and BBT scores , in left hemiparetic subjects when exposed to AO as compared to st and ard rehabilitation alone ( P < .01 ) . The findings lead to recommend the use of AO in addition to motor training in left hemiparetic patients [ Purpose ] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of action observation training and motor imagery training on recovery from  chronic stroke .  [ Subjects ] Thirty patients ( who were over six months post stroke ) participated in this study and were r and omly allocated to three groups . [ Methods ] The action observation training group practice d additional action observation training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period . The motor imagery training group practice d additional motor imagery training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period .  Electroencephalogram  were used to compare brain waves between the three groups . [ Results ] The action observation group showed significant changes in relative alpha power in Fp1 and Fp2 and relative beta power in Fp2 and C3 . [ Conclusion ] Action observation induces higher levels of cognitive activities than motor imagery and physical training . Action observation is expected to be more effective for stroke patients Background : The aim of this study was to explore the effects of action observation therapy on motor function of upper extremity , activities of daily living , and motion evoked potential in cerebral infa rct ion patients . Method : Cerebral infa rct ion survivors were r and omly assigned to an experimental group ( 28 patients ) or a control group ( 25 patients ) . The conventional rehabilitation treatments were applied in both groups , but the experimental group received an additional action observation therapy for 8 weeks ( 6 times per week , 20 minutes per time ) .  Fugl-Meyer assessment ( FMA ) , Wolf Motor Function Test ( WMFT ) , Modified Barthel Index ( MBI ) , and motor evoked potential ( MEP ) were used to evaluate the upper limb movement function and daily life activity . Results : There were no significant differences between experiment and control group in the indexes , including FMA , WMFT , and MBI scores , before the intervention . However , after 8 weeks treatments , these indexes were improved significantly . MEP latency and center-motion conduction time ( CMCT ) decreased from 23.82 ± 2.16 and 11.15 ± 1.68 to 22.69 ± 2.11 and 10.12 ± 1.46 ms . MEP amplitude increased from 0.61 ± 0.22 to 1.25 ± 0.38 mV. A remarkable relationship between the evaluations indexes of MEP and FMA was found . Conclusions : Combination of motion observation and traditional upper limb rehabilitation treatment technology can significantly elevate the movement function of cerebral infa rct ion patients in subacute seizure phase with upper limb dysfunction , which exp and ed the application range of motion observation therapy and provided an effective therapy strategy for upper extremities hemiplegia in stroke patients [ Purpose ] This study examined the effects of action observation and action practice on stroke patients ’ upper limb function .  [ Subjects and Methods ] The subjects were 33 chronic stroke patients who were r and omly assigned to four groups . The action observation group ( 5 males , 3 females ) watched a video of the task , the action practice group ( 5 males , 4 females ) performed the action , the combined action observation-action practice group ( 5 males , 4 females ) watched the video of the task and practice d the action , and the control group ( 4 males , 3 females ) did not perform either action observation or action practice . The video used in the action observational physical training comprised a scene of an adult male picking up a cup , bringing it to his mouth in order to touch his mouth , and then returning the cup to its initial position . [ Results ] Improvements in drinking behavior functions were observed immediately after the experiment and one week later . After the intervention , the number of drinking motions had increased the most in the combination group . One week after the experiment , there were increases in the action observation , action training , and combination groups . [ Conclusion ] A combination of action observation and action training is the most effective treatment method , and action training is a desirable second to combined therapy Background and Purpose — In healthy humans , observation of another individual performing a motor training task ( action observation [ AO ] ) facilitates , in the observer , the effects of physical training ( PT ) on motor memory formation . It is not known whether this facilitatory process , of potential value for neurorehabilitation , occurs after stroke . Methods — Eight chronic stroke patients completed this crossover-r and omized investigation . A transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol that tests formation of motor memories was used to determine the effects of PT alone and in combination with AO in 2 different forms : congruent ( PT+AOcongruent ) and incongruent ( PT+AOincongruent ) to the practice d task . Results — The magnitude of motor memory formation was larger with PT+AOcongruent than with PT alone or PT+ AOincongruent . This effect was associated with a differential corticomotor excitability change in the muscles acting as agonist and antagonist of the trained/observed movements . Conclusions — These results indicate that congruent AO in association with physical training can enhance the effects of motor training after stroke Background Rehabilitation for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy ( HCP ) aim ed to improve function of the impaired upper limb ( UL ) uses a wide range of intervention programs . A new rehabilitative approach , called Action-Observation Therapy , based on the recent discovery of mirror neurons , has been used in adult stroke but not in children . The purpose of the present study is to design a r and omised controlled trial ( RCT ) for evaluating the efficacy of Action-Observation Therapy in improving UL activity in children with HCP . Methods / Design The trial is design ed according to CONSORT Statement . It is a r and omised , evaluator-blinded , match-pair group trial . Children with HCP will be r and omised within pairs to either experimental or control group . The experimental group will perform an Action-Observation Therapy , called UP-CAT ( Upper Limb-Children Action-Observation Training ) in which they will watch video sequences showing goal -directed actions , chosen according to children UL functional level , combined with motor training with their hemiplegic UL . The control group will perform the same tailored actions after watching computer games . A careful revision of psychometric properties of UL outcome measures for children with hemiplegia was performed . Assisting H and Assessment was chosen as primary measure and , based on its calculation power , a sample size of 12 matched pairs was established . Moreover , Melbourne and ABILH AND -Kids were included as secondary measures . The time line of assessment s will be T0 ( in the week preceding the onset of the treatment ) , T1 and T2 ( in the week after the end of the treatment and 8 weeks later , respectively ) . A further assessment will be performed at T3 ( 24 weeks after T1 ) , to evaluate the retention of effects . In a subgroup of children enrolled in both groups functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging , exploring the mirror system and sensory-motor function , will be performed at T0 , T1 and T2 . Discussion The paper aims to describe the methodology of a RCT for evaluating the efficacy of  Action-Observation Therapy  in improving UL activity in children with hemiplegia . This study will be the first to test this new type of treatment in childhood . The paper presents the theoretical background , study hypotheses , outcome measures and trial methodology .Trial Registration Objective . A r and omized controlled observer-blind trial was design ed to evaluate the effectiveness of action observation as an add-on treatment to the st and ard rehabilitation of upper-limb function , early after stroke . Methods . Stroke survivors ( N = 102 ) were consecutively recruited from 13 centers 30 days ( ±7 ) after a first-ever stroke and r and omly assigned to the  experimental ( EG )  or  control group (  CG ) . EG participants watched video footage of daily routine tasks ( actions ) carried out with the upper limb in order to prepare to imitate the presented action . At the end of each sequence , a therapist prompted the patient to perform the same movement for 2 minutes , providing help when needed . Static images without animals or human beings were shown to the CG . At the end of each sequence , the CG executed movements that simulated the shoulder and elbow joint mobilization activities performed by the EG . Results for the Fugl-Meyer test , Frenchay Arm test , Box and Block test ( BBT ) , Modified Ashworth Scale , and Functional Independence Measure Motor items were recorded before treatment ( T0 ) , after 4 weeks of treatment ( T1 ) , and at the follow-up visit 4 to 5 months after the conclusion of treatment ( T2 ) . Results . An improvement over time was appreciated on all measures of impairment and functional ability with both treatment programs . A Time × Treatment interaction emerged from the generalized estimating equations analysis of BBT , showing significant T0–T1 and T0–T2 differences in favor of EG . Conclusion . This multicenter trial endorses the use of action observation in upper-extremity rehabilitation , along with a role for the mirror neuron system in poststroke recovery Background . Mirror therapy is a priming technique to improve motor function of the affected arm after stroke . Objective . To investigate whether a mirror therapy – based action observation ( AO ) protocol contributes to motor learning of the affected arm after stroke . Methods . A total of 37 participants in the chronic stage after stroke were r and omly allocated to the AO or control observation ( CO ) group . Participants were instructed to perform an upper-arm reaching task as fast and as fluently as possible . All participants trained the upper-arm reaching task with their affected arm alternated with either AO or CO . Participants in the AO group observed mirrored video tapes of reaching movements performed by their unaffected arm , whereas participants in the CO group observed static photographs of l and scapes . The experimental condition effect was investigated by evaluating the primary outcome measure : movement time ( in seconds ) of the reaching movement , measured by accelerometry . Results . Movement time decreased significantly in both groups : 18.3 % in the AO and 9.1 % in the CO group . Decrease in movement time was significantly more in the AO compared with the CO group ( mean difference = 0.14 s ; 95 % confidence interval = 0.02 , 0.26 ; P = .026 ) . Conclusion . The present study showed that a mirror therapy – based AO protocol contributes to motor learning after stroke PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of live and video form action observation training ( AOT ) on upper limb ( UL ) movement acceleration and function in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) . METHODS In total , 12 children ( 7 boys , 5 girls ) with CP participated in this study . The children were allocated r and omly to live ( experimental ) and video ( control ) AOT groups . All children completed 20 treatment sessions , each 30 minutes in duration , 5 days per week for a month . Mediolateral ( ML ) and vertical ( VT ) acceleration data , Jebsen-Taylor H and Function ( JTHF ) scores , and Box and Block Test ( BBT ) scores were obtained at baseline and at 4 weeks after the intervention . RESULTS ML and VT movement acceleration and JTHF scores were significantly lower in the live group ( p < 0.05 ) . The BBT score was significantly higher in the live than in the video group ( p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest 
    Output:
    
agent
***TASK*** the task is to summarize an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***INPUT*** the input is a biomedical literature 
    ***OUTPUT*** the output is the summary of an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***DOCUMENTATION*** 
    ***EXAMPLES*** 
    Input: Background : Previous reports have suggested that action observation training ( AOT ) is beneficial in enhancing the early learning of new motor tasks ; however , EEG-based investigation has received little attention for AOT . Objective : The purpose of this study was to illustrate the effects of AOT on h and dexterity and cortical activation in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis . Method : Twenty patients with post-stroke hemiparesis were r and omly divided into either the experimental group ( EG ) or control group ( CG ) , with 10 patients in each group . Prior to the execution of motor tasks ( carrying wooden blocks from one box to another ) , subjects in the EG and CG observed a video clip displaying the execution of the same motor task and pictures showing l and scapes , respectively . Outcome measures included the box and block test ( BBT ) to evaluate h and dexterity and EEG-based brain mapping to detect changes in cortical activation . Results : The BBT scores ( EG : 20.50 ± 6.62 at pre-test and 24.40 ± 5.42 at post-test ; CG : 20.20 ± 6.12 at pre-test and 20.60 ± 7.17 at post-test ) revealed significant main effects for the time and group and significant time-by-group interactions ( p < 0.05 ) . For the subjects in the EG , topographical representations obtained with the EEG-based brain mapping system were different in each session of the AOT and remarkable changes occurred from the 2nd session of AOT . Furthermore , the middle frontal gyrus was less active at post-test than at pre-test . Conclusions : These findings support that AOT may be beneficial in altering cortical activation patterns and h and dexterity The clinical impact of action observation ( AO ) on upper limb functional recovery in subacute stroke patients is recent evidence . We sought to test the hypothesis that training everyday life activities through AO coupled with task execution might activate the left hemisphere different from the right one . Sixty-seven first-ever ischemic stroke subjects were r and omly assigned to receive upper limb training coupled with AO tasks or st and ard rehabilitation . The groups were matched by age and gender , Bamford category , and interval from stroke and lesion side . Fugl-Meyer ( FM ) and Box and Block Test ( BBT ) were used to measure h and function recovery at the end ( T1 ) and 4 - 5 months after the treatment ( T2 ) . At T1 , FM was increased by 31 % ( ±26 % ) , of maximum achievable recovery , whereas BBT was increased by 17 % ( ±18 % ) ; at T2 , FM had reached 43 % ( ±45 % ) of maximum recovery , while BBT had reached 25 % ( ±22 % ) . Combining the effects of treatment to those of lesion side revealed significantly higher gains , in both FM and BBT scores , in left hemiparetic subjects when exposed to AO as compared to st and ard rehabilitation alone ( P < .01 ) . The findings lead to recommend the use of AO in addition to motor training in left hemiparetic patients [ Purpose ] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of action observation training and motor imagery training on recovery from  chronic stroke .  [ Subjects ] Thirty patients ( who were over six months post stroke ) participated in this study and were r and omly allocated to three groups . [ Methods ] The action observation training group practice d additional action observation training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period . The motor imagery training group practice d additional motor imagery training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period .  Electroencephalogram  were used to compare brain waves between the three groups . [ Results ] The action observation group showed significant changes in relative alpha power in Fp1 and Fp2 and relative beta power in Fp2 and C3 . [ Conclusion ] Action observation induces higher levels of cognitive activities than motor imagery and physical training . Action observation is expected to be more effective for stroke patients Background : The aim of this study was to explore the effects of action observation therapy on motor function of upper extremity , activities of daily living , and motion evoked potential in cerebral infa rct ion patients . Method : Cerebral infa rct ion survivors were r and omly assigned to an experimental group ( 28 patients ) or a control group ( 25 patients ) . The conventional rehabilitation treatments were applied in both groups , but the experimental group received an additional action observation therapy for 8 weeks ( 6 times per week , 20 minutes per time ) .  Fugl-Meyer assessment ( FMA ) , Wolf Motor Function Test ( WMFT ) , Modified Barthel Index ( MBI ) , and motor evoked potential ( MEP ) were used to evaluate the upper limb movement function and daily life activity . Results : There were no significant differences between experiment and control group in the indexes , including FMA , WMFT , and MBI scores , before the intervention . However , after 8 weeks treatments , these indexes were improved significantly . MEP latency and center-motion conduction time ( CMCT ) decreased from 23.82 ± 2.16 and 11.15 ± 1.68 to 22.69 ± 2.11 and 10.12 ± 1.46 ms . MEP amplitude increased from 0.61 ± 0.22 to 1.25 ± 0.38 mV. A remarkable relationship between the evaluations indexes of MEP and FMA was found . Conclusions : Combination of motion observation and traditional upper limb rehabilitation treatment technology can significantly elevate the movement function of cerebral infa rct ion patients in subacute seizure phase with upper limb dysfunction , which exp and ed the application range of motion observation therapy and provided an effective therapy strategy for upper extremities hemiplegia in stroke patients [ Purpose ] This study examined the effects of action observation and action practice on stroke patients ’ upper limb function .  [ Subjects and Methods ] The subjects were 33 chronic stroke patients who were r and omly assigned to four groups . The action observation group ( 5 males , 3 females ) watched a video of the task , the action practice group ( 5 males , 4 females ) performed the action , the combined action observation-action practice group ( 5 males , 4 females ) watched the video of the task and practice d the action , and the control group ( 4 males , 3 females ) did not perform either action observation or action practice . The video used in the action observational physical training comprised a scene of an adult male picking up a cup , bringing it to his mouth in order to touch his mouth , and then returning the cup to its initial position . [ Results ] Improvements in drinking behavior functions were observed immediately after the experiment and one week later . After the intervention , the number of drinking motions had increased the most in the combination group . One week after the experiment , there were increases in the action observation , action training , and combination groups . [ Conclusion ] A combination of action observation and action training is the most effective treatment method , and action training is a desirable second to combined therapy Background and Purpose — In healthy humans , observation of another individual performing a motor training task ( action observation [ AO ] ) facilitates , in the observer , the effects of physical training ( PT ) on motor memory formation . It is not known whether this facilitatory process , of potential value for neurorehabilitation , occurs after stroke . Methods — Eight chronic stroke patients completed this crossover-r and omized investigation . A transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol that tests formation of motor memories was used to determine the effects of PT alone and in combination with AO in 2 different forms : congruent ( PT+AOcongruent ) and incongruent ( PT+AOincongruent ) to the practice d task . Results — The magnitude of motor memory formation was larger with PT+AOcongruent than with PT alone or PT+ AOincongruent . This effect was associated with a differential corticomotor excitability change in the muscles acting as agonist and antagonist of the trained/observed movements . Conclusions — These results indicate that congruent AO in association with physical training can enhance the effects of motor training after stroke Background Rehabilitation for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy ( HCP ) aim ed to improve function of the impaired upper limb ( UL ) uses a wide range of intervention programs . A new rehabilitative approach , called Action-Observation Therapy , based on the recent discovery of mirror neurons , has been used in adult stroke but not in children . The purpose of the present study is to design a r and omised controlled trial ( RCT ) for evaluating the efficacy of Action-Observation Therapy in improving UL activity in children with HCP . Methods / Design The trial is design ed according to CONSORT Statement . It is a r and omised , evaluator-blinded , match-pair group trial . Children with HCP will be r and omised within pairs to either experimental or control group . The experimental group will perform an Action-Observation Therapy , called UP-CAT ( Upper Limb-Children Action-Observation Training ) in which they will watch video sequences showing goal -directed actions , chosen according to children UL functional level , combined with motor training with their hemiplegic UL . The control group will perform the same tailored actions after watching computer games . A careful revision of psychometric properties of UL outcome measures for children with hemiplegia was performed . Assisting H and Assessment was chosen as primary measure and , based on its calculation power , a sample size of 12 matched pairs was established . Moreover , Melbourne and ABILH AND -Kids were included as secondary measures . The time line of assessment s will be T0 ( in the week preceding the onset of the treatment ) , T1 and T2 ( in the week after the end of the treatment and 8 weeks later , respectively ) . A further assessment will be performed at T3 ( 24 weeks after T1 ) , to evaluate the retention of effects . In a subgroup of children enrolled in both groups functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging , exploring the mirror system and sensory-motor function , will be performed at T0 , T1 and T2 . Discussion The paper aims to describe the methodology of a RCT for evaluating the efficacy of  Action-Observation Therapy  in improving UL activity in children with hemiplegia . This study will be the first to test this new type of treatment in childhood . The paper presents the theoretical background , study hypotheses , outcome measures and trial methodology .Trial Registration Objective . A r and omized controlled observer-blind trial was design ed to evaluate the effectiveness of action observation as an add-on treatment to the st and ard rehabilitation of upper-limb function , early after stroke . Methods . Stroke survivors ( N = 102 ) were consecutively recruited from 13 centers 30 days ( ±7 ) after a first-ever stroke and r and omly assigned to the  experimental ( EG )  or  control group (  CG ) . EG participants watched video footage of daily routine tasks ( actions ) carried out with the upper limb in order to prepare to imitate the presented action . At the end of each sequence , a therapist prompted the patient to perform the same movement for 2 minutes , providing help when needed . Static images without animals or human beings were shown to the CG . At the end of each sequence , the CG executed movements that simulated the shoulder and elbow joint mobilization activities performed by the EG . Results for the Fugl-Meyer test , Frenchay Arm test , Box and Block test ( BBT ) , Modified Ashworth Scale , and Functional Independence Measure Motor items were recorded before treatment ( T0 ) , after 4 weeks of treatment ( T1 ) , and at the follow-up visit 4 to 5 months after the conclusion of treatment ( T2 ) . Results . An improvement over time was appreciated on all measures of impairment and functional ability with both treatment programs . A Time × Treatment interaction emerged from the generalized estimating equations analysis of BBT , showing significant T0–T1 and T0–T2 differences in favor of EG . Conclusion . This multicenter trial endorses the use of action observation in upper-extremity rehabilitation , along with a role for the mirror neuron system in poststroke recovery Background . Mirror therapy is a priming technique to improve motor function of the affected arm after stroke . Objective . To investigate whether a mirror therapy – based action observation ( AO ) protocol contributes to motor learning of the affected arm after stroke . Methods . A total of 37 participants in the chronic stage after stroke were r and omly allocated to the AO or control observation ( CO ) group . Participants were instructed to perform an upper-arm reaching task as fast and as fluently as possible . All participants trained the upper-arm reaching task with their affected arm alternated with either AO or CO . Participants in the AO group observed mirrored video tapes of reaching movements performed by their unaffected arm , whereas participants in the CO group observed static photographs of l and scapes . The experimental condition effect was investigated by evaluating the primary outcome measure : movement time ( in seconds ) of the reaching movement , measured by accelerometry . Results . Movement time decreased significantly in both groups : 18.3 % in the AO and 9.1 % in the CO group . Decrease in movement time was significantly more in the AO compared with the CO group ( mean difference = 0.14 s ; 95 % confidence interval = 0.02 , 0.26 ; P = .026 ) . Conclusion . The present study showed that a mirror therapy – based AO protocol contributes to motor learning after stroke PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of live and video form action observation training ( AOT ) on upper limb ( UL ) movement acceleration and function in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) . METHODS In total , 12 children ( 7 boys , 5 girls ) with CP participated in this study . The children were allocated r and omly to live ( experimental ) and video ( control ) AOT groups . All children completed 20 treatment sessions , each 30 minutes in duration , 5 days per week for a month . Mediolateral ( ML ) and vertical ( VT ) acceleration data , Jebsen-Taylor H and Function ( JTHF ) scores , and Box and Block Test ( BBT ) scores were obtained at baseline and at 4 weeks after the intervention . RESULTS ML and VT movement acceleration and JTHF scores were significantly lower in the live group ( p < 0.05 ) . The BBT score was significantly higher in the live than in the video group ( p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest 
    Output:
    