Somato-motor inhibitory processing in humans: evidence from neurophysiology and neuroimaging

Motor execution processing has been examined using an index of behavioral performance such as reaction times, kinetics, and kinematics. However, difficulties have been associated with the study of motor inhibitory processing because of the absence of actual behavioral performance. Therefore, non-invasive neurophysiological and neuroimaging methods including electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and functional magnetic resonance imaging have been used to investigate neural processes in the central nervous system. We mainly reviewed research on somato-motor inhibitory processing based on data obtained by using these techniques, which can examine 'when', 'where, and 'how' motor inhibition occurs in the brain. Although to date a number of studies have used these techniques separately, few studies have utilized them in a comprehensive manner. In this review, we provide evidence that combining neurophysiological and neuroimaging methods should contribute to our understanding of how executive and inhibitory functions are implemented.