Mental Timing in Locomotion: Walking Across Real and Imagined Distances

Abstract

The present study aimed to directly replicate the seminal findings of Decety et al. (1989), while also extending the original work with a larger sample size and additional statistical analyses. Thirty healthy adults completed both imagined and executed walking tasks over distances of 5, 10, and 15 meters. Participants also completed the Movement Imagery Questionnaire 3 (MIQ 3). Temporal correspondence between imagined and executed walking was assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA, correlation analyses, Bayesian equivalence tests, and Bland Altman analyses. Walking duration increased significantly with distance, while no significant differences were observed between imagined and executed walking times. Bayesian equivalence tests provided evidence supporting temporal equivalence between the two modalities, and Bland Altman analyses indicated good agreement with minimal systematic bias. Strong positive correlations were found between imagined and executed durations at all distances. MIQ-3 scores were not significantly associated with differences between imagined and executed walking durations. Overall, the findings successfully replicate and extend the original results reported by Decety et al. (1989), providing additional evidence supporting temporal equivalence between motor imagery and movement execution. By combining a larger sample size with contemporary statistical approaches, the present study strengthens support for the principle of functional equivalence for highly automated and cyclic movements.