Impact of action observation therapy on motor and cognitive outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled study

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) affects cognitive and motor function, increasing risk of immobility, falls, and reduced independence. This study examined whether Action Observation Therapy (AOT) improves cognition, activities of daily living (ADLs), upper limb (UL) functionality, gait, and balance in older adults with MCI, and whether outcomes differ by observation modality (therapist vs. peer). Methods: Thirty participants aged ≥65 with MCI were assigned to therapist observation (TOG), peer observation (POG), or control (CG). The 5-week intervention included physical and cognitive exercises, with pre- and post-assessments. Results: Significant post-intervention improvements were found between groups for most outcomes, except the Box and Block Test. No differences were found between TOG and POG; both observation groups outperformed the CG. Conclusions: AOT was beneficial for older adults with MCI, yielding significant improvements in cognition, ADLs, gait, and balance compared to control, regardless of observing therapist or peer.