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Brain correlates of motor complexity during observed and executed actions
Xinge Li1,2, Manon A Krol3,4, Sahar Jahani5
1School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
Scientific Reports
|July 5, 2020
Summary
This study reveals that motor complexity processing involves key brain regions like the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and primary motor cortex (M1) during both action execution and observation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- Cortical areas with motor properties are crucial for action generation and perception.
- The inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), ventral premotor cortex (PMv), and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) are implicated in action understanding.
- Previous research primarily focused on goals and kinematics, with limited exploration of motor complexity's effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brain activity related to motor complexity during action execution and observation.
- To identify brain regions involved in encoding motor complexity using fNIRS.
- To elucidate the neural correlates of motor complexity in action perception and execution.
Main Methods:
- Used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity.
- Recruited 21 healthy adults to perform and observe two hand actions varying in motor complexity.
- Examined brain activity in frontal, motor, parietal, and occipital regions.
Main Results:
- Motor complexity-sensitive regions identified in pars opercularis IFG/PMv, primary motor cortex (M1), IPL/supramarginal gyrus, and middle occipital gyrus (MOG) during execution.
- Pars opercularis IFG/PMv and M1 showed sensitivity to motor complexity during action observation.
- Distinct and overlapping brain regions were involved in processing motor complexity during execution versus observation.
Conclusions:
- Motor complexity processing engages multiple brain areas beyond primary motor cortex (M1).
- Pars opercularis IFG, PMv, and IPL play significant roles in both action execution and perception of motor complexity.
- Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural basis of action understanding and motor control.
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