Earticle

This study analyzed the brain wave data of central cortical areas (C3, C4) during both action observation and motor execution of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) upper extremity (U/E) patterns in normal young adults. We measured suppression of the electroencephalographic (EEG) Mu rhythm, a reliable indicator of mirror-neuron activity,in central cortical areas during both action observation and motor execution of PNF U/E patterns. In all subjects, Mu-rhythm suppression was observed above C3 and C4 regions during both action observation and motor execution of the PNF U/E pattern and significant differences were observed in three experimental tasks when compared with that noted for the baseline (Wilcoxon signed rank test). Friedman test results indicated no significant differences in the suppression of Mu rhythm in the three experimental conditions. These results suggest that action observation and PNF U/E pattern can activate the mirror neuron system in central cortical areas, particularly in the form of Mu-rhythm suppression. These findings can prove useful ina clinical therapeutic intervention program and the practice of combining action observation and PNF U/E pattern could improve health and enhance physical performance in young adults.