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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation
Published on: January 1, 2014
[Structure of movement sequences: interactions between perception and motor control]
1Fachbereich Psychologie der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Abstract:
Structural properties play an important role in the programming and execution of movement sequences. Two experiments are presented investigating the question, which factors have an impact on the structuring of movement sequences. Following the results of Experiment 1 a movement sequence will be organized in such a way, that its structure fits with the perceptual structure of the stimuli connected with the movement. This ensures an optimal information exchange between perception and movement control. Experiment 2 suggests that also the starting point of a cyclic movement sequence has an impact on the structure. The comparison of both experiments shows the interaction between both factors. Moreover, interactions with kinetic properties of the effectors, with properties of motor coordination and with coding demands are discussed. The structure of a movement sequence is assumed to be a compromise between all these factors in the sense of an economy principle.
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