Mirroring The Movement- Part One

“The Science Behind “Watch Me!”

Colleen Bridges, M.Ed., NSCA-CPT, PDFS

Why Does Coach Colleen Have Us “Mirror” Her Movements?

When I ask you to watch me, copy me, and move with me, there’s much more going on  than simply demonstrating an exercise and having you mimic my movements.. I'm intentionally giving your brain visual information it can use to help organize, and execute movement.

In other words…I'm not just teaching your body. I'm teaching your brain.

Your Brain Is a Great Copycat!

One of the fascinating ways our brains learn movement is through observation. And this is where the story of mirror neurons begins.

In 1992, researchers at the University of Parma in Italy made an unexpected discovery while studying the brains of macaque monkeys. Neuroscientists Giacomo Rizzolatti, Vittorio Gallese, Luciano Fadiga, Leonardo Fogassi and their colleagues were recording the activity of individual neurons in the monkeys' premotor cortex.

They discovered something fascinating. Certain neurons became active when a  monkey performed a specific action—such as grasping an object—but some of those same neurons also became active when the monkey watched another individual or monkey perform a similar action. These neurons eventually became known as mirror neurons.

It was almost as if the brain was saying: “I see you doing it…so I'm practicing it, too.” That discovery opened the door to decades of research into how the brain processes observed movement and connects what we see with what we do. Researchers have since identified mirror-like systems in the human brain involved in observing and performing actions, although the human system is more complex than simply having a set of neurons that “copy” everything we see. Think about how a child learns. Long before children can read an instruction manual or understand a detailed explanation, they learn by watching others.

They watch someone wave—and wave back.

They see someone clap—and clap.

They watch someone walk—and eventually take those first steps themselves.

Watch. Process. Imitate. Learn.

That remarkable ability to learn through observation doesn't simply disappear as we get older. And that's one reason I use mirroring  intentionally in our Bridges for Parkinson's classes. When I ask you to “Watch me!” and “Mirror me!” I'm giving your brain another source of information it can use to help organize movement. I'm not simply demonstrating an exercise.

I'm giving your brain an opportunity  to learn the movement.

Why Is This Especially Important With Parkinson's?

Parkinson's Disease  can interfere with the brain's ability to produce automatic, smooth, and well-coordinated movement. Things you once did automatically —getting up from a chair, rolling over in bed , reaching, taking a big step, swinging your arms while walking suddenly require more concentration.  You may know what you want your body to do, but getting your body to do it can become more difficult. There appears to be a disconnect in your brain and your body. 

That's where external cues can help. When I stand in front of you and demonstrate a movement, I'm giving your brain an external target.

Instead of having to think only: “What am I supposed to do?”

Your brain can also think: “I see it. Now I'll do it.”

That visual information can help make movement more intentional And that's one reason you may find yourself moving:

• Bigger

• More deliberately

• With better coordination

• With greater attention

• With more confidence

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That's why I make sure you can see me.

I'm not standing in front of the room because I like being the center of attention! I'm there because seeing the movement matters. That's why I encourage you to:

• Look up.

• Watch the movement.

• Follow the movement.

• Don't stare at your feet.

Your eyes are giving your brain information, and your brain is using that information to help guide

your body.

That's also why I repeat movements. And repeat them. And repeat them again.

Because repetition gives your brain more opportunities to practice the movement, recognize the pattern, and  automatically perform it.

I want your brain to get in on the workout, too! That's when exercise becomes more than exercise. It becomes brain training in motion.

Your Challenge This Week!

You don't need a gym, special equipment, or a complicated workout to start thinking about mirroring. If you have someone you love nearby, try this:

Spend five minutes moving together.

• March together.

• Reach together.

• Stretch together.

• Walk together.

• Clap together.

  
  

Have fun with it!

Let one person lead while the other follows. Then switch. You may be surprised by how naturally your brain begins to anticipate and follow the movement. And care-partners, family members, grandchildren, and friends can become part of the process, too.

Because movement doesn't have to be something you do to someone with Parkinson's. It can be something you do WITH them.

At Bridges for Parkinson's, we don't believe exercise is simply about working your muscles.

We believe exercise is an opportunity to challenge the brain, train the body, build confidence, and keep moving forward.

So, keep watching! Keep mirroring! Keep moving BIG!