Action observation treatment improves gait ability in subacute to convalescent stroke patients.

•We investigated the effects of action observation treatment (AOT) on gait ability.•The effect of AOT was investigated in patients with subacute to convalescent stroke.•AOT had no effect in patients who could not walk independently.•AOT improved gait ability in patients who were able to walk independently.•AOT may be an effective therapy for patients with stroke who can walk independently.