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Functional magnetic resonance imaging of complex human movements
S M Rao1, J R Binder, P A Bandettini
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Neurology
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) detects brain activity changes. This study shows FMRI can map complex finger movements in nonprimary motor areas, supporting hierarchical motor control models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) measures regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes.
- Previous FMRI studies focused on primary cortex responses to simple tasks.
- The ability of FMRI to detect nonprimary cortex activity during complex tasks was unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if FMRI can detect brain activity changes in nonprimary cortical areas during complex mental activities.
- To compare brain activation patterns between simple and complex finger movements.
- To explore brain activity during imagined movements.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy, right-handed subjects underwent FMRI scans.
- Participants performed self-paced simple and complex finger movements with both hands.
- Some subjects performed paced movements or imagined complex movements.
Main Results:
- Simple movements activated the contralateral primary motor cortex.
- Complex movements activated the primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area (SMA), premotor cortex, and somatosensory cortex.
- Paced movements showed less intense activation.
- Imagined complex movements activated the SMA and premotor cortex.
Conclusions:
- FMRI can detect functional changes in nonprimary motor areas during complex cognitive tasks.
- Findings support hierarchical models of voluntary motor control.
- FMRI is a valuable tool for studying complex brain functions.