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Perceptual and Motor Processes in Motor Imagery
Jack P Solomon1,2, Ernest Ng1,2, David A Westwood2,3
1Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|June 4, 2025
Summary
Motor imagery (MI) engages both perceptual and motor systems. Even with minimal exposure, motor imagery training can alter lifting force perception, demonstrating simulation of movement guides action.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Perception-Action Coupling
Background:
- The debate continues regarding whether motor imagery (MI) primarily engages the motor system or relies on perceptual/cognitive processes.
- Understanding the nature of motor imagery is crucial for applications in rehabilitation and skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interplay between perception and action during motor imagery using the size-weight illusion.
- To determine if motor imagery training influences motor output in a manner consistent with perceptual illusions.
Main Methods:
- Participants (n=57) were assigned to motor imagery (MI) or overt execution (OE) training groups.
- The size-weight illusion was employed, where participants lifted bricks of equal mass but differing sizes.
- Training involved varying exposure to the illusion (1 or 5 lifts) before post-training assessments.
Main Results:
- Contrary to hypotheses, both overt execution and extensive motor imagery (5 lifts) maintained the illusion's effect.
- Limited motor imagery (1 lift) led to a shift in weight perception, aligning with the illusion (larger objects feel heavier).
- This perceptual shift in the MI-2 group was accompanied by adjusted lifting forces post-training.
Conclusions:
- Motor imagery engages both perceptual and motor processes, challenging the notion of it being purely motor-based.
- The simulation of motor components during motor imagery can guide subsequent actions and influence perception.
- The degree of exposure to the illusion during training modulates the impact on both perception and motor output.
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