Frontal brain areas are more involved during motor imagery than during motor execution/preparation of a response sequence

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.02.020
• Publication Date: 2021-02-26T17:04:38Z
• Authors: Rob H.J. Van der ...; Jagna Sobierajewicz; Marijtje L.A. Jon...; Willem B. Verwey; Anna Przekoracka-...
• Keywords: Motor Imagery; Alpha (finance); Supplementary motor area; Motor Control

Results of several neuroimaging studies support the functional equivalence model, which states that motor imagery (MI) and execution (ME) involve same processes, except for final component. In contrast, motor-cognitive model implies MI additionally involves frontal executive control processes. However, according to some authors may actually be more comparable preparation (MP). current electroencephalographic study, a version discrete sequence production paradigm was employed in human participants initially had prepare five finger movements subsequently executed, imagined, or withheld. MI, ME, MP were compared by computing event-related (de)-synchronization theta, alpha/mu, beta bands. revealed major increase theta power during as ME MP. At end examined intervals, posterior reduction alpha present MP, but not MI. Finally, above sensorimotor areas decrease observed most pronounced case ME. The activity reflect increased effort, while absence suggests no involvement visuospatial attention and/or visual imagery. findings favor it predicts extra processes