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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

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Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip
Published on: June 4, 2020
Basal ganglia mechanisms underlying precision grip force control.
Janey Prodoehl1, Daniel M Corcos, David E Vaillancourt
1Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. jwildi1@uic.edu
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|May 12, 2009
Summary
The basal ganglia, specifically certain nuclei, are crucial for fine-tuning precision grip force control. This review integrates evidence, proposing a framework for their role within the broader grasping network.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Grasping Network Research
Background:
- The grasping network's control has primarily focused on cortical regions.
- Subcortical basal ganglia nuclei are implicated in precision grip force control, but findings remain fragmented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and integrate evidence supporting the hypothesis of basal ganglia nuclei involvement in parameterizing precision grip force.
- To propose a conceptual framework for basal ganglia function within the grasping network for precision grip control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing findings from human and animal studies.
- Analysis of anatomical connectivity between basal ganglia and cortical grasping network nodes.
Main Results:
- Converging evidence suggests key basal ganglia nuclei play a specific role in precision grip force parameterization.
- Established anatomical links exist between basal ganglia and cortical grasping network components.
Conclusions:
- The basal ganglia are integral to the grasping network, specifically in modulating precision grip force.
- A conceptual framework is proposed for basal ganglia's functional contribution to precision grip control within the wider network.
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