What is the term for the cognitive rehearsal of an activity without actual muscle movement?

The term for the cognitive rehearsal of an activity without actual muscle movement is referred to as mental practice. This concept involves visualizing or mentally preparing for a task, which allows individuals to improve their skills and performance by mentally rehearsing the actions required in a given task.

Mental practice is a well-recognized technique used in various fields, including sports, music, and even surgery, where athletes or performers visualize the steps of their performance to enhance execution. It capitalizes on the brain's ability to process and reinforce motor skills through imagery, which can result in improved physical execution when actual performance occurs.

While terms like physical simulation, imaginary action, and cognitive simulation might suggest related ideas of visualization or practice, they do not specifically encapsulate the focused and structured technique of mental practice recognized in psychological and educational contexts. Thus, the term mental practice is the most accurate descriptor for this phenomenon.