Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Fine Motor Task to Study Joint Kinematics in a Preclinical Model of Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 13, 2025
Anatomical substrates of cooperative joint-action in a continuous motor task: virtual lifting and balancing
Roger D Newman-Norlund1, Jurjen Bosga, Ruud G J Meulenbroek
1Nijmegen Institute of Cognition and Information, Radboud University, The Netherlands. rogern@nici.ru.nl
Abstract:
An emerging branch of social cognitive neuroscience attempts to unravel the critical cognitive mechanisms that enable humans to engage in joint action. In the current experiment, differences in brain activity in participants engaging in solitary action and joint action were identified using whole brain fMRI while participants performed a virtual bar-balancing task either alone (S), or with the help of a partner in each of two separate joint-action conditions (isomorphic [Ji] and non-isomorphic [Jn]). Compared to the performing the task alone, BOLD signal was found to be stronger in both joint-action conditions at specific sites in the human mirror system (MNS). This activation pattern may reflect the demand on participants to simulate the actions of others, integrate their own actions with those of their partners, and compute appropriate responses. Increasing inter-dependence (complementarity) of movements being generated by cooperating individuals (Jn>Ji>S) was found to correlate with BOLD signal in the right anterior node of the MNS (pars opercularis), and the area around the right temporoparietal junction (TPJ). These data are relevant to current debates concerning the role of right IFG in complementary action, as well as evolving theories of joint action.
Related Concept Videos
Muscle Coordination and Action
Agonists
Agonist muscles, often called prime movers, are the primary muscles responsible for producing a specific movement.
Hierarchy of Motor Control
Virtual Work for a System of Connected Rigid Bodies
Next,...
Three-Dimensional Force System:Problem Solving
To solve a three-dimensional force system, first resolve each force into its respective scalar components. Do this using...
Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...
Rigid Body Equilibrium Problems - I
