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Frontal lobe contribution to voluntary movements in humans
1Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis 94553.
Brain Research
|October 29, 1990
Summary
The human prefrontal cortex (PFCx) contributes to early movement-related potentials (MRPs) preceding voluntary actions. Lesions in the PFCx reduced early MRP components, indicating its role in the neural network initiating movement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Movement-related potentials (MRPs) are electrophysiological signals preceding voluntary movements.
- The prefrontal cortex (PFCx) is implicated in motor planning and execution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of the human prefrontal cortex (PFCx) to movement-related potentials (MRPs).
- To determine if PFCx lesions affect specific components of MRPs.
Main Methods:
- Recorded MRPs during self-paced unilateral and bilateral thumb movements in patients with PFCx lesions and controls.
- Analyzed early (Readiness Potential, RP; Negative Shift, NS') and late (Motor Potential, MP) components of MRPs.
Main Results:
- Controls exhibited RP, NS', and MP components.
- PFCx lesions preferentially reduced the early RP and NS' components of MRPs.
- The late MP component was less affected by PFCx lesions.
Conclusions:
- The PFCx is integral to the neural network generating early MRPs, initiating movement at least 1000 ms prior.
- Differential effects on early and late MRP components suggest distinct neural circuits for movement initiation and execution.