Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
05:05
Assessing Corticospinal Excitability During Goal-Directed Reaching Behavior
Published on: December 2, 2022
2.1K
Cortical Networks for Correcting Errors in Sensorimotor Synchronization Depend on the Direction of Asynchrony
K J Jantzen1, Benjamin R Ratcliff1, McNeel G Jantzen1
1a Psychology , Western Washington University , Bellingham.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|August 17, 2017
Summary
This study reveals distinct brain mechanisms for correcting sensorimotor synchronization errors. Different cortical pathways are activated when increasing versus decreasing tap-tone asynchrony, impacting motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Sensorimotor synchronization involves precise timing between motor actions and sensory feedback.
- Previous research suggests asymmetric neural processes for correcting synchronization errors that increase or decrease timing discrepancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether distinct cortical mechanisms underlie error correction in sensorimotor synchronization based on the direction of timing perturbation.
- To differentiate neural responses to positive (increasing asynchrony) versus negative (decreasing asynchrony) phase-shift perturbations.
Main Methods:
- 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during auditory metronome synchronization.
- Systematic introduction of liminal (10%) and subliminal (3%) positive and negative phase-shift perturbations.
- Distributed source modeling was employed to analyze oscillatory activity and cortical source connectivity.
Main Results:
- A theta band response in the frontomedial presupplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and anterior cingulate cortex indicated error detection and top-down control for liminal positive perturbations.
- Increased theta band coupling between the supplementary motor area (SMA) and contralateral motor cortex was observed exclusively for positive perturbations, suggesting top-down modulation.
- Liminal positive perturbations led to an enhanced postmovement beta rebound in the contralateral primary motor cortex compared to other conditions.
Conclusions:
- Distinct cortical mechanisms are engaged for correcting sensorimotor synchronization errors, differing based on the direction of asynchrony.
- Frontomedial motor areas, including pre-SMA and anterior cingulate, exert top-down inhibitory control over the primary motor cortex to adjust tap intervals.
- These findings elucidate the neural basis of adaptive motor timing and error correction during synchronization tasks.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Major Somatic Sensory Pathways
3.1K
Sensory impulses related to touch, pressure, vibration, and proprioception from various body parts, such as the limbs, trunk, neck, and posterior head, travel to the cerebral cortex through the posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway. The pathway’s name derives from the two white-matter tracts that convey the impulses: the spinal cord's posterior column and the brainstem's medial lemniscus. First-order sensory neurons extend their axons into the spinal cord, forming the...
3.1K
01:22Indirect Motor Pathways
3.7K
The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
3.7K
01:27Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay
4.9K
The thalamus, often called “the gateway to the cerebral cortex,” is vital in processing and directing sensory and motor signals throughout the brain. Almost all inputs destined for the cerebral cortex, except for olfactory signals, are relayed through the thalamus. The thalamus is a sophisticated relay station, channeling information from various brain regions to the cerebral cortex, as well as a filter, prioritizing certain signals over others based on current physiological...
4.9K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
9.8K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
9.8K
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
8.2K
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
8.2K
01:11Direct Motor Pathways
4.7K
The direct motor pathways, also known as the pyramidal tracts, are a group of neural pathways that originate in the brain and descend through the spinal cord. They control the voluntary movement of the body. There are two major direct motor pathways: the corticospinal and the corticobulbar tracts.
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and...
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and...
4.7K