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As apparent as real: alpha and beta bands desynchronization unveils apparent motion perception dynamics
Marcella Romeo1, Francesca Genovese2, Monica Betta3
1Manibus Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; MoMiLab, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy.
Neuroimage
|October 5, 2025
Summary
Observing apparent biological motion activates sensorimotor brain regions, similar to real motion. This "motor resonance" suggests the brain processes perceived biological actions as if they were real, engaging neural mechanisms for action observation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Motor Control
Background:
- Real motion observation activates sensorimotor systems more than non-biological motion.
- It is unclear if apparent motion, perceived from static images, uses similar neural mechanisms.
- Mu rhythm desynchronization over sensorimotor cortices is a marker for real biological motion observation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if apparent motion induces mu rhythm desynchronization.
- To determine if this effect occurs for biological but not non-biological agents.
- To compare neural responses to apparent biological and non-biological motion.
Main Methods:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure brain activity.
- Participants observed apparent rotations of biological (human hands) and non-biological (pseudo-hands) agents.
- Psychophysical tasks assessed perceived direction of rotation.
Main Results:
- Psychophysical data showed a preferential perceived direction only for biological stimuli.
- EEG data revealed significant mu rhythm desynchronization for apparent motion.
- Mu desynchronization was significantly greater for biological agents compared to non-biological agents.
Conclusions:
- Apparent biological motion engages sensorimotor processes similarly to real motion observation.
- This suggests a shared neural mechanism, termed "motor resonance," for processing real and apparent biological actions.
- The brain may simulate observed actions, whether real or apparent, engaging similar neural pathways.
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