Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, a team of researchers from the University of Southern California monitored the brain of 24 participants, according to Pannochka, an online publication for girls and women aged 14 to 35.. net Of these, 12 suffered a stroke at the time, and 12 others were selected in accordance with the age of the participants in the first group.

In the course of the study, stroke-affected individuals observed representatives of the second group who performed actions with their hands that were not available to those who had a stroke, such as raising a pen or flipping a card.

The researchers found the following. While the brain usually responds to visual stimulation with activity in the cortical-motor region, activated by observing the actions of others, the activity in this hemisphere was higher than usual in the brain of stroke survivors, especially when observing actions inaccessible to the patients themselves.

Activated areas in the area of \u200b\u200bdamaged areas of the brain can be the subject of exercises that can help restore lost functions..

“If we can increase the plasticity of these active areas of the brain, we can help stroke patients regain a significant portion of their ability to move their arms and hands,” said Kathleen Garrison, lead author of the study.. Research Results Published in Stroke June 6.

Observations of activities as rehabilitation have already shown potential, and a new study among the first to explain the effectiveness of this approach. “It's like a fuel pump. The leading sections constantly act as if in idle mode before attempting normal functioning. This process is reminiscent of a virtual exercise that prepares the brain for real tasks, where the body will already be involved. ”.

The study also supports the expansion of observation of actions as a therapeutic technique..

For example, it is proposed to record the patient’s therapeutic exercises on video and allow them to be viewed as homework stimulating brain activity.

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