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Updated: Aug 29, 2025

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Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation
Published on: December 31, 2013
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Characterizing a Common Class of Spontaneous Movements.
Joel Begin1, Luiz Fernando Bertolucci2, Dorothea Blostein3
1Creative Pathways Physical Therapy, Henniker, New Hampshire, USA.
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
|September 5, 2022
Summary
This study introduces nonpathological spontaneous movements, distinct from those caused by neurological conditions. These movements may hold untapped therapeutic potential for form development and maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Somatic Psychology
Background:
- Spontaneous movements often occur without underlying pathology.
- These movements are frequently overlooked in scientific literature.
- Existing research primarily focuses on pathological movement disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a class of nonpathological spontaneous movements.
- To explore their occurrence in various contexts (therapeutic, social, religious, solitary).
- To investigate their potential role in form development and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of anecdotal evidence.
- Case report illustrations.
- Characterization of movement triggers, phenotypes, and influences (conscious/subconscious).
Main Results:
- Nonpathological spontaneous movements occur across diverse settings.
- These movements are linked to inherited autoregulatory behaviors.
- They involve individual and collaborative (patient-therapist) dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness of these movements is needed.
- Further research into their healing potential is warranted.
- These movements may represent an overlooked therapeutic avenue.
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