scholarly journals Functional Lateralization of the Mirror Neuron System in Monkey and Humans

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Antonino Errante ◽  
Leonardo Fogassi
Keyword(s):  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Action Perception ◽  
Bilateral Control ◽  
Action Execution ◽  
Neuron System ◽  
Unilateral Brain Damage ◽  
Functional Lateralization ◽  
Plastic Changes ◽  
Premotor Areas

To date, both in monkeys and humans, very few studies have addressed the issue of the lateralization of the cortical parietal and premotor areas involved in the organization of voluntary movements and in-action understanding. In this review, we will first analyze studies in the monkey, describing the functional properties of neurons of the parieto-frontal circuits, involved in the organization of reaching-grasping actions, in terms of unilateral or bilateral control. We will concentrate, in particular, on the properties of the mirror neuron system (MNS). Then, we will consider the evidence about the mirror neuron mechanism in humans, describing studies in which action perception, as well as action execution, produces unilateral or bilateral brain activation. Finally, we will report some investigations demonstrating plastic changes of the MNS following specific unilateral brain damage, discussing how this plasticity can be related to the rehabilitation outcome

scholarly journals The mirror neuron system as revealed through neonatal imitation: presence from birth, predictive power and evidence of plasticity

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1644) ◽  
pp. 20130289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Simpson ◽  
Lynne Murray ◽  
Annika Paukner ◽  
Pier F. Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Natural Occurrence ◽  
Action Perception ◽  
Neuron System ◽  
Early Action ◽  
Perception System

There is strong evidence that neonates imitate previously unseen behaviours. These behaviours are predominantly used in social interactions, demonstrating neonates' ability and motivation to engage with others. Research on neonatal imitation can provide a wealth of information about the early mirror neuron system (MNS), namely its functional characteristics, its plasticity from birth and its relation to skills later in development. Although numerous studies document the existence of neonatal imitation in the laboratory, little is known about its natural occurrence during parent–infant interactions and its plasticity as a consequence of experience. We review these critical aspects of imitation, which we argue are necessary for understanding the early action–perception system. We address common criticisms and misunderstandings about neonatal imitation and discuss methodological differences among studies. Recent work reveals that individual differences in neonatal imitation positively correlate with later social, cognitive and motor development. We propose that such variation in neonatal imitation could reflect important individual differences of the MNS. Although postnatal experience is not necessary for imitation, we present evidence that neonatal imitation is influenced by experience in the first week of life.

scholarly journals The Activation of the Mirror Neuron System during Action Observation and Action Execution with Mirror Visual Feedback in Stroke: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack J. Q. Zhang ◽  
Kenneth N. K. Fong ◽  
Nandana Welage ◽  
Karen P. Y. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Visual Feedback ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Action Execution ◽  
Neuron System ◽  
Mu Suppression ◽  
Mirror Visual Feedback

Objective. To evaluate the concurrent and training effects of action observation (AO) and action execution with mirror visual feedback (MVF) on the activation of the mirror neuron system (MNS) and its relationship with the activation of the motor cortex in stroke individuals. Methods. A literature search using CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, and SCOPUS to find relevant studies was performed. Results. A total of 19 articles were included. Two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies reported that MVF could activate the ipsilesional primary motor cortex as well as the MNS in stroke individuals, whereas two other fMRI studies found that the MNS was not activated by MVF in stroke individuals. Two clinical trials reported that long-term action execution with MVF induced a shift of activation toward the ipsilesional hemisphere. Five fMRI studies showed that AO activated the MNS, of which, three found the activation of movement-related areas. Five electroencephalography (EEG) studies demonstrated that AO or MVF enhanced mu suppression over the sensorimotor cortex. Conclusions. MVF may contribute to stroke recovery by revising the interhemispheric imbalance caused by stroke due to the activation of the MNS. AO may also promote motor relearning in stroke individuals by activating the MNS and motor cortex.

scholarly journals Do gaze behaviours during action observation predict interpersonal motor resonance?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soukayna Bekkali ◽  
George J Youssef ◽  
Peter H Donaldson ◽  
Jason He ◽  
Michael Do ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Motor Resonance ◽  
Action Execution ◽  
Neuron System ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
First Dorsal Interosseous Muscle ◽  
Dorsal Interosseous Muscle

Abstract Interpersonal motor resonance (IMR) is a common putative index of the mirror neuron system (MNS), a network containing specialised cells that fire during both action execution and observation. Visual content inputs to the MNS, however, it is unclear whether visual behaviours mediate the putative MNS response. We aimed to examine gaze effects on IMR during action observation. Neurotypical adults (N = 99; 60 female) underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation, electromyography, and eye-tracking during the observation of videos of actors performing grasping actions. IMR was measured as a percentage change in motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the first dorsal interosseous muscle during action observation relative to baseline. MEP facilitation was observed during action observation, indicating IMR (65.43%, SE = 11.26%, P < 0.001). Fixations occurring in biologically relevant areas (face/hand/arm) yielded significantly stronger IMR (81.03%, SE = 14.15%) than non-biological areas (63.92%, SE = 14.60, P = 0.012). This effect, however, was only evident in the first of four experimental blocks. Our results suggest that gaze fixation can modulate IMR, but this may be affected by the salience and novelty of the observed action. These findings have important methodological implications for future studies in both clinical and healthy populations.

scholarly journals Favouritism in the motor system: social interaction modulates action simulation

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 758-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Kourtis ◽  
Natalie Sebanz ◽  
Günther Knoblich
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Action Execution ◽  
Action Simulation ◽  
Neuron System ◽  
The Social ◽  
Third Person ◽  
Motor Areas

The ability to anticipate others' actions is crucial for social interaction. It has been shown that this ability relies on motor areas of the human brain that are not only active during action execution and action observation, but also during anticipation of another person's action. Recording electroencephalograms during a triadic social interaction, we assessed whether activation of motor areas pertaining to the human mirror-neuron system prior to action observation depends on the social relationship between the actor and the observer. Anticipatory motor activation was stronger when participants expected an interaction partner to perform a particular action than when they anticipated that the same action would be performed by a third person they did not interact with. These results demonstrate that social interaction modulates action simulation.

LP64: Action perception: the mirror neuron system recognizes the temporal properties of movement

2014 ◽  
Vol 125 ◽  
pp. S339
Author(s):  
L. Avanzino ◽  
G. Lagravinese ◽  
A. Bisio ◽  
L. Perasso ◽  
P. Ruggeri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Action Perception ◽  
Neuron System ◽  
Temporal Properties

EEG Imaging of the Mirror Neuron System in Autism

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphael Bernier ◽  
Geraldine Dawson ◽  
Stanley Lunde
Keyword(s):  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Neuron System

Activation of the mirror neuron system in treatment of aphasia

2008 ◽  
Vol 39 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Alka ◽  
J Klann ◽  
M Staedtgen ◽  
IG Meister ◽  
W Huber
Keyword(s):  
Mirror Neuron System ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Neuron System
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