A motor physiology recurrent topic: simplify assumptions to gain extra insight

Francisco J. Alvarez

doi:10.1113/jp277715

Noninvasive Functional Investigations into Human Cortical Motor Physiology, Motor Learning, and Motor Imagery

Springer Series in Brain Dynamics - Brain Dynamics ◽

10.1007/978-3-642-74557-7_31 ◽

1989 ◽

pp. 401-407

Author(s):

L. Deecke ◽

W. Lang ◽

G. Goldenberg ◽

I. Podreka

Keyword(s):

Motor Learning ◽

Motor Imagery ◽

Cortical Motor ◽

Motor Physiology

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Rapid feedback corrections during a bimanual postural task

Journal of Neurophysiology ◽

10.1152/jn.00669.2011 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 109 (1) ◽

pp. 147-161 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Mohsen Omrani ◽

Jörn Diedrichsen ◽

Stephen H. Scott

Keyword(s):

Sensory Feedback ◽

Specific Information ◽

Spatial Average ◽

Electromyographic Activity ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Left Hand ◽

Motor Physiology ◽

The One ◽

The Right ◽

Online Feedback

An important observation in motor physiology is that even the fastest feedback responses can be modified in a task-dependent manner. However, whether or not such responses in one limb can be modulated based on online sensory feedback from other limbs is still unknown. We tested this using a bimanual postural control task, in which the two hands either controlled two separate cursors (double-cursor task) or a single cursor displayed at the spatial average between the hands (single-cursor task). In the first experiment, the two hands were symmetrically perturbed outwards. In the double-cursor task, the participants therefore had to return their hands to the targets, whereas in the single-cursor task no correction was necessary. Within 50 ms, the electromyographic activity showed significantly smaller responses in the single- compared with the double-cursor task. In the second experiment, the perturbation direction of the left hand (inward/outward) was randomized, such that participants could not preplan their response before perturbation onset. Results show that the behavior of the right arm in the one-cursor task depended on online feedback coming from the left arm: the muscular response was modulated within 75 ms based on directionally specific information of the left arm. These results suggest that sensory feedback from one limb can quickly modify the perturbation response of another limb in a task-dependent manner.

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Evolution of brain-computer interfaces: going beyond classic motor physiology

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2009.4.focus0979 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. E4 ◽

Cited By ~ 60

Author(s):

Eric C. Leuthardt ◽

Gerwin Schalk ◽

Jarod Roland ◽

Adam Rouse ◽

Daniel W. Moran

Keyword(s):

Primary Motor Cortex ◽

Current Status ◽

Brain Computer Interfaces ◽

Motor Disabilities ◽

Computer Interfaces ◽

Brain Signals ◽

Motor Physiology ◽

Potential Efficacy ◽

Technical Possibility ◽

Cortical Physiology

The notion that a computer can decode brain signals to infer the intentions of a human and then enact those intentions directly through a machine is becoming a realistic technical possibility. These types of devices are known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The evolution of these neuroprosthetic technologies could have significant implications for patients with motor disabilities by enhancing their ability to interact and communicate with their environment. The cortical physiology most investigated and used for device control has been brain signals from the primary motor cortex. To date, this classic motor physiology has been an effective substrate for demonstrating the potential efficacy of BCI-based control. However, emerging research now stands to further enhance our understanding of the cortical physiology underpinning human intent and provide further signals for more complex brain-derived control. In this review, the authors report the current status of BCIs and detail the emerging research trends that stand to augment clinical applications in the future.

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THE DISAPPEARING LESION: SIGMUND FREUD, SENSORY-MOTOR PHYSIOLOGY, AND THE BEGINNINGS OF PSYCHOANALYSIS

Modern Intellectual History ◽

10.1017/s147924431300022x ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 569-601 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

KATJA GUENTHER

Keyword(s):

Lived Experience ◽

Intellectual History ◽

Sigmund Freud ◽

Reading Practices ◽

Scientific Texts ◽

Brain Science ◽

Motor Physiology ◽

History Of ◽

Mental Pathology ◽

The Impact

Freud's criticism of the localization project as carried out by Theodor Meynert and Carl Wernicke has usually been seen as marking his break with contemporaneous brain science. In this article, however, I show that Freud criticized localization not by turning his back on brain science, but rather by radicalizing some of its principles. In particular, he argued that the physiological pretensions of the localization project remained at odds with its uncritical importation of psychological categories. Further, by avoiding a confusion of categories and adopting a parallelist reading, Freud was able to develop a fully “physiologized” account of nervous processes. This opened up the possibility for forms of mental pathology that were not reliant on the anatomical lesion. Instead, Freud suggested that lived experience might be able to create a pathological organization within the nervous system. This critique—a passage through, rather than a turn away from, brain science—opened the possibility for Freud's theory of the unconscious and his developing psychoanalysis. On a methodological level, this article aims to show how the intellectual history of modern Europe can gain from taking seriously the impact of the brain sciences, and by applying to scientific texts the methods and reading practices traditionally reserved for philosophical or literary works.

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