Research article summary (published 17 Dec 2006):

Neural correlates of internal-model loading.

Full Abstract

Skilled object manipulation requires knowledge, or internal models, of object dynamics relating applied force to motion , and our ability to handle myriad objects indicates that the brain maintains multiple models . Recent behavioral studies have shown that once learned, an internal model of an object with novel dynamics can be rapidly recruited and derecruited as the object is grasped and released . We used event-related fMRI to investigate neural activity linked to grasping an object with recently learned dynamics in preparation for moving it after a delay. Subjects also performed two control tasks in which they either moved without the object in hand or applied isometric forces to the object. In all trials, subjects received a cue indicating which task to perform in response to a go signal delivered 5-10 s later. We examined BOLD responses during the interval between the cue and go and assessed the conjunction of the two contrasts formed by comparing the primary task to each control. The analysis revealed significant activity in the ipsilateral cerebellum and the contralateral and supplementary motor areas. We propose that these regions are involved in internal-model recruitment in preparation for movement execution.

Author information

Author/s: Bursztyn, Lulu L C D (LL); Ganesh, G (G); Imamizu, Hiroshi (H); Kawato, Mitsuo (M); Flanagan, J Randall (JR);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Current biology : CB (Curr Biol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Dec; vol 16 (issue 24) : pp 2440-5

Dates: Created 2006/12/18; Completed 2007/03/05;

PMID: 17174919, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Biomechanics Brain - physiology Brain Mapping Cerebellum - physiology Cues Female Hand - innervation; physiology Hand Strength - physiology

Hand Strength - physiology Humans Learning - physiology Magnetic Resonance Imaging Male Models, Neurological Motor Activity - physiology Motor Cortex - physiology Motor Skills - physiology

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