Organizing motor imageries

Neurosci Res. 2016 Mar:104:56-63. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2015.11.003. Epub 2015 Nov 19.

Abstract

Over the last few decades, motor imagery has attracted the attention of researchers as a prototypical example of 'embodied cognition' and also as a basis for neuro-rehabilitation and brain-machine interfaces. The current definition of motor imagery is widely accepted, but it is important to note that various abilities rather than a single cognitive entity are dealt with under a single term. Here, motor imagery has been characterized based on four factors: (1) motor control, (2) explicitness, (3) sensory modalities, and (4) agency. Sorting out these factors characterizing motor imagery may explain some discrepancies and variability in the findings from previous studies and will help to optimize a study design in accordance with the purpose of each study in the future.

Keywords: Brain machine interface; Embodiment; Imagination; Movement; Neurorehabilitation; Simulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces
  • Humans
  • Imagination*
  • Motor Cortex / physiology
  • Movement*
  • Parietal Lobe / physiology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology