Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
S. Romano-Smith, J. W. Roberts, G. Wood, G. Coyles, C. J. Wakefield
Summary: Combining the motor simulation techniques of action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) has been shown to enhance motor performance. This study examined the involvement of lower-level sensorimotor processes in the improvement of a dart-throwing task using AOMI. Results showed that simultaneous and alternate congruent groups had significantly improved dart-throwing performance compared to control groups. This improvement was accompanied by lower EMG activity, suggesting greater movement efficiency. AOMI involves a common lower-level sensorimotor process that can lead to motor facilitation or interference, depending on the congruency of the simulation techniques, regardless of the delivery structure.
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elisabetta Sarasso, Andrea Gardoni, Lucia Zenere, Elisa Canu, Silvia Basaia, Elisa Pelosin, Maria Antonietta Volonte, Massimo Filippi, Federica Agosta
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of action observation and MI training (AOT-MI) on MI abilities and brain function in PD-PIGD patients. The results showed that AOT-MI improved MI skills in PD-PIGD patients and promoted the functional plasticity of brain areas involved in MI processes and gait/balance control.
PARKINSONISM & RELATED DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Cory A. Potts, Shailesh S. Kantak
Summary: This study compared the anticipatory planning, execution, and coordination of force between stroke patients and neurotypical controls in a naturalistic bimanual common-goal task. The results showed that stroke patients, especially those with right hemisphere damage, have impairments in anticipatory planning and interlimb coordination of symmetric cooperative bimanual tasks. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the effects of stroke on everyday functions.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ryota Sakurai, Manuel Montero-Odasso, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Susumu Ogawa, Yoshinori Fujiwara
Summary: This study found that cognitive differences in imagery and execution of actions in older adults are associated with the onset of FoF and future falls. Overestimating physical capabilities may increase the risk of daily activity hazards.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Matthew W. Scott, Greg Wood, Paul S. Holmes, Jacqueline Williams, Ben Marshall, David J. Wright
Summary: The combination of action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) has been shown to be more effective than independent AO and MI, improving motor skill learning in children with DCD.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Seong Ho Jeong, Hye Sun Lee, Seok Jong Chung, Han Soo Yoo, Jin Ho Jung, Kyoungwon Baik, Jong Sam Baik, Young H. Sohn, Phil Hyu Lee
Summary: This study found that cholesterol levels are associated with motor symptoms in drug-naive Parkinson disease (PD), especially in subjects with low cholesterol status. The severity of axial motor symptoms is negatively associated with cholesterol levels only in statin users.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Marie Martel, Scott Glover
Summary: This study suggests a functional dissociation between motor imagery and overt action, and highlights the importance of executive resources in motor imagery. Impairing the function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex slows down motor imagery, while overt actions remain unaffected.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Helen O'Shea
Summary: This study utilizes multidimensional modeling to examine the neurocognitive characteristics of four action-related behaviors. The findings suggest that action execution is most similar to concurrent action observation and motor imagery, while action execution is least similar to action observation. Most action types share similarities in at least one neurocognitive dimension, except for action-related language.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Experimental
Britta Krueger, Mathias Hegele, Martina Rieger
Summary: This paper addresses various aspects of action imagery, including the creation of action images, how the brain generates images of movements and actions, and the richness and vividness of action images. Visual and kinesthetic aspects are found to be particularly important in action imagery, although other sensory modalities may also play a role. Additionally, factors such as task specificity, instruction, and experience influence the sensory impression of action images.
PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH-PSYCHOLOGISCHE FORSCHUNG
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jiaming Liu, Yuhe Zhang, Tao Ye, Qingxia Yu, Jiaheng Yu, Shushu Yuan, Xinxin Gao, Xinxin Wan, Rui Zhang, Weihua Han, Yang Zhang
Summary: This study found that coffee improved the motor deficits and dopaminergic neuronal loss in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease by regulating gut microbiota. Coffee increased the level of tight junction protein and reduced astrocyte activation marker level. It also decreased the levels of proapoptotic proteins and increased the level of antiapoptotic protein, preventing apoptotic cascade. Coffee also improved gut microbiota dysbiosis. These findings suggest that coffee's neuroprotective effects on Parkinson's disease involve the regulation of gut microbiota.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvio Gravano, Francesco Lacquaniti, Myrka Zago
Summary: Mental imagery can be used as a potential tool to help astronauts deal with sensorimotor and cognitive dysfunctions caused by spaceflight. The study showed that astronauts were able to simulate interactions with weightless objects on Earth and adjust their behavior during spaceflight, indicating the effectiveness of mental imagery training in space adaptation. Additionally, differential processing of imagined gravity levels in arm kinematics was observed, suggesting a potential role of mental imagery in tuning vestibular plasticity during spaceflight.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Machiko Ohbayashi
Summary: Learning and executing sequential movements is essential in voluntary motor behavior, with performance improving over time through repetitive practice. The process of how the brain binds elementary movements into meaningful actions is of much interest and involves a distributed network throughout the brain. Understanding the unique contributions of different cortical motor areas in this process is the current challenge.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Louis-Solal Giboin, Tom Reunis, Markus Gruber
Summary: The study found that action video game players had higher performance scores, stronger SICI, and higher MEP amplitudes. There were differences in the relation between reaction time and corticospinal excitability between players and controls, but no differences were found in motor map topography and IO curves. Action video game players demonstrated an increased efficiency in motor cortical inhibitory and excitatory neural networks.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Marit F. L. Ruitenberg, Vincent Koppelmans
Summary: The study found that aging may not necessarily lead to a decline in action planning and action adaptation, challenging the notion that healthy aging is associated with a general deficit in motor functioning.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
C. Vidaurre, T. Jorajuria, A. Ramos-Murguialday, K-R Mueller, M. Gomez, V. V. Nikulin
Summary: This study investigates the impact of perturbing motor imagery tasks through peripheral stimulation, showing that inducing movements in non-coincident limbs does not affect BCI performance, while inducing movements in limbs involved in the tasks can be alleviated through spatial filtering. The study also demonstrates the potential use of residual power of sensorimotor rhythm to predict BCI user performance under movement disturbances.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Marianna Semprini, Gaia Bonassi, Federico Barban, Elisa Pelosin, Riccardo Iandolo, Michela Chiappalone, Dante Mantini, Laura Avanzino
Summary: This study used high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) and source localization to investigate neural oscillations associated with working memory (WM) update, maintenance, and readout. Specific spectral signatures were found in different stages of WM tasks, demonstrating relatively high spatial resolution in neural activity.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ambra Bisio, Monica Biggio, Patrizio Canepa, Emanuela Faelli, Piero Ruggeri, Laura Avanzino, Marco Bove
Summary: Action observation combined with proprioceptive stimulation induces a kinesthetic illusion of movement and leads to increased excitability in the primary motor cortex (M1), with effects lasting up to 60 minutes. The study found a significant positive correlation between changes in M1 excitability during and after the AO-KI process, suggesting that M1 response during AO-KI may serve as a marker for individual responsiveness to the combined stimulation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Stefania Costi, Maria Cristina Filippi, Luca Braglia, Laura Beccani, Isabella Corradi, Elena Bruzzi, Chiara Signorelli, Elisa Pelosin
Summary: The study found that the ASKp has good internal consistency in Italian children with cerebral palsy and can differentiate between children of different ages, clinical manifestations, intellectual disability, and use of assistive devices.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Oscar Crisafulli, Carlo Trompetto, Luca Puce, Lucio Marinelli, Stefania Costi, Giovanni Abbruzzese, Laura Avanzino, Elisa Pelosin
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the differences in complex walking tasks and balance performance in patients with CD. The results show that CD patients exhibit significantly impaired gait parameters, which may be related to a decrease in balance performance.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tiziana Lencioni, Chiara Ponte, Carola Cosentino, Susanna Mezzarobba, Ilaria Carpinella, Maurizio Ferrarin, Laura Avanzino, Giovanna Lagravinese, Elisa Pelosin
Summary: The study found that music, especially fear-inducing music, has a significant impact on the performance of visual-spatial learning tasks in both PD patients and ELD individuals. PD patients were slower and performed worse in learning compared to ELD, indicating an impairment in visual-spatial learning in PD.
PARKINSONISM & RELATED DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingqi Zhao, Gaia Bonassi, Jessica Samogin, Gaia Amaranta Taberna, Elisa Pelosin, Alice Nieuwboer, Laura Avanzino, Dante Mantini
Summary: Balance and walking are fundamental to support daily activities. This study investigated the neural processes underlying gait control using high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) and ankle acceleration data. The results showed that the primary sensorimotor cortex (M1) plays a key role in gait modulation, with involvement of premotor cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. Additionally, there were interactions between frequency band and gait phase in premotor cortex and thalamus. The findings suggest that hdEEG-based electrophysiological source imaging can be used to investigate dynamic neural processes of gait control.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Giovanna Lagravinese, Ambra Bisio, Marco Bove, Alessandro Botta, Gaia Bonassi, Roberta Marchese, Piero Ruggeri, Elisa Pelosin, Laura Avanzino
Summary: The study found that individuals with Parkinson's disease showed reduced motor resonance to disgust-inducing emotional contexts compared to healthy individuals, suggesting a deficit in translating aversive emotional states into physiological responses. However, their responsiveness to sadness-inducing emotional contexts was similar to that of healthy individuals.
BEHAVIOURAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
O. Crisafulli, E. Ravizzotti, S. Mezzarobba, C. Cosentino, G. Bonassi, A. Botta, G. Abbruzzese, R. Marchese, L. Avanzino, E. Pelosin
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the behavior of patients with cervical dystonia (CD) during blindfolded walking by relying on somatosensory and vestibular information. The results showed that CD patients had difficulty in walking straight without visual input, suggesting a general proprioceptive impairment in CD patients.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marcello Mario Mascia, Daniele Belvisi, Marcello Esposito, Roberta Pellicciari, Assunta Trinchillo, Carmen Terranova, Salvatore Bertino, Laura Avanzino, Francesca Di Biasio, Francesco Bono, Vincenzo Laterza, Christian Lettieri, Roberto Eleopra, Giovanni Fabbrini, Pierangelo Barbero, Laura Bertolasi, Maria Concetta Altavista, Roberto Erro, Roberto Ceravolo, Anna Castagna, Maurizio Zibetti, Anna Rita Bentivoglio, Giovanni Cossu, Luca Magistrelli, Cesa Scaglione, Alberto Albanese, Maria Sofia Cotelli, Salvatore Misceo, Antonio Pisani, Tommaso Schirinzi, Luca Maderna, Giovanna Squintani, Alfredo Berardelli, Giovanni Defazio
Summary: The study found that cerebrovascular risk factors may be associated with specific features of idiopathic adult onset dystonia, such as blepharospasm and sensory trick.
PARKINSONISM & RELATED DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Alessandro Botta, Mingqi Zhao, Jessica Samogin, Elisa Pelosin, Gaia Bonassi, Giovanna Lagravinese, Dante Mantini, Alessio Avenanti, Laura Avanzino
Summary: Using high-density electroencephalography (hd-EEG), this study found that the processing of fearful emotional body language (EBL) activates somatosensory areas early on and suppresses motor activity in healthy individuals. These findings provide high-temporal resolution evidence of the interplay between somatosensory and motor areas during the observation of EBL, shedding light on the sensorimotor mechanism supporting freezing behavior.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Edoardo Monfrini, Laura Avanzino, Giovanni Palermo, Giulia Bonato, Gloria Brescia, Roberto Ceravolo, Giovanna Cantarella, Paola Mandich, Holger Prokisch, Karin Storm Vans Gravesande, Giulia Straccia, Antonio Elia, Chiara Reale, Celeste Panteghini, Giovanna Zorzi, Roberto Eleopra, Roberto Erro, Miryam Carecchio, Barbara Garavaglia, Michael Zech, Luigi Romito, Alessio Di Fonzo
Summary: This case collection expands the genetic and clinical spectrum of VPS16-related disease, prompting movement disorder specialists to suspect mutations of this gene not only in patients with isolated dystonia.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Gaia Bonassi, Marianna Semprini, Paola Mandich, Lucia Trevisan, Roberta Marchese, Giovanna Lagravinese, Federico Barban, Elisa Pelosin, Michela Chiappalone, Dante Mantini, Laura Avanzino
Summary: Using high-density electroencephalography, we found decreased modulation of neural oscillations in early symptomatic HD and pre-HD, even though the dynamics of modulation were preserved.