The difference in cortical activation pattern for complex motor skills: A functional near- infrared spectroscopy...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Motor Control

Background:

• The human brain exhibits lateralization, with specialized functions in dominant and non-dominant hemispheres.
• Understanding the origins of brain lateralization is crucial for comprehending neural network control.
• Previous neuroimaging studies have explored brain lateralization, but its precise mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in brain activation patterns between dominant and non-dominant hand use.
• To examine hemispheric functional asymmetry during a fine motor task (chopstick use).
• To explore the neural basis of hand dominance in motor control.

Main Methods:

• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure hemodynamic responses.
• Brain activation was monitored over key motor areas: primary sensory-motor cortex (SM1), premotor area (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and frontal cortex.
• Participants performed a task involving transferring almonds with chopsticks using both dominant and non-dominant hands.

Main Results:

• Dominant hand use primarily elicited brain activation in the contralateral hemisphere.
• Non-dominant hand use resulted in activation in both the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres.
• Hemodynamic changes (oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations) indicated differential neural engagement.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates significant functional asymmetry in cerebral hemisphere activation during motor tasks.
• Hand dominance influences the pattern of brain activation, with the non-dominant hand engaging broader neural networks.
• These findings contribute to the understanding of brain lateralization and its role in motor control.