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The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions

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A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Behavioral Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2021) | Viewed by 27724

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Prof. Dr. Laila Craighero

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Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
Interests: sensorimotor representations; intention; action; action processing; affordances; space coding; spatial attention; biological and non-biological motion processing; corticospinal excitability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The discovery of neurons with sensory properties in frontal motor circuits, and that these circuits send modulatory signals to the sensory parietal areas, strongly challenged the classical idea of a motor system as a mere executor of commands, and suggested that the sensorimotor system may contribute to the cognitive processes necessary for interaction with the world. On this basis, embodied cognition theory states that the mind, body, and its surrounding environment are highly interrelated, and hence, mutually dependent upon each other. In this view, human cognition is deeply rooted in the body’s interactions with its physical environment. One key notion of embodiment is the sharing of neural resources between cognitive and sensorimotor processes. In accordance, a long series of neurophysiological, brain imaging, and behavioral studies have brought evidence of the involvement of the sensorimotor system during tasks addressing different cognitive functions: others’ action perception, space coding, attention, memory, beat perception, numerical abilities, speech perception and production, pain empathy, and many others. However, few of them have shown that this relationship is causal, and that a specific injury to the sensorimotor system determines a specific cognitive deficit. Furthermore, almost all of these studies have underestimated the theoretical implication of the fact that the sensorimotor involvement is present not only during the processing of biological stimuli, but also during the processing of non-biological ones.

This Special Issue aims to bring together research on the involvement of the sensorimotor system in focusing, processing, anticipating, and reacting to biological and non-biological stimuli, in an attempt to better understand its role in the origin, development, and modulation of cognitive functions.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: experimental psychology, developmental psychology, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, brain imaging, and computer science.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Laila Craighero
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Action
Biological and non-biological motion perception
Cognitive functions
Sensorimotor system
Space coding
Attention
Speech and language
Affordances
Memory
Imagery

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 177 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions

by Laila Craighero

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(5), 604; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12050604 - 05 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1843

Abstract

The discovery of neurons with sensory properties in frontal motor circuits, and the discovery that these circuits send modulatory signals to the sensory parietal areas, strongly challenged the classical idea of a motor system as a mere executor of commands, and suggested that [...] Read more.

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

Research

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19 pages, 3381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Motor and Cognitive Tasks on Time Estimation

by Serena Castellotti, Ottavia D’Agostino, Alessandra Biondi, Luigi Pignatiello and Maria Michela Del Viva

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(3), 404; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12030404 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3058

Abstract

The passing of time can be precisely measured by using clocks, whereas humans’ estimation of temporal durations is influenced by many physical, cognitive and contextual factors, which distort our internal clock. Although it has been shown that temporal estimation accuracy is impaired by non-temporal tasks performed at the same time, no studies have investigated how concurrent cognitive and motor tasks interfere with time estimation. Moreover, most experiments only tested time intervals of a few seconds. In the present study, participants were asked to perform cognitive tasks of different difficulties (look, read, solve simple and hard mathematical operations) and estimate durations of up to two minutes, while walking or sitting. The results show that if observers pay attention only to time without performing any other mental task, they tend to overestimate the durations. Meanwhile, the more difficult the concurrent task, the more they tend to underestimate the time. These distortions are even more pronounced when observers are walking. Estimation biases and uncertainties change differently with durations depending on the task, consistent with a fixed relative uncertainty. Our findings show that cognitive and motor systems interact non-linearly and interfere with time perception processes, suggesting that they all compete for the same resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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17 pages, 1601 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Semantics of Natural Objects and Tools in the Brain: A Combined Behavioral and MEG Study

by Elisa Visani, Davide Rossi Sebastiano, Dunja Duran, Gioacchino Garofalo, Fabio Magliocco, Francesco Silipo and Giovanni Buccino

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 97; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12010097 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2018

Abstract

Current literature supports the notion that the recognition of objects, when visually presented, is sub-served by neural structures different from those responsible for the semantic processing of their nouns. However, embodiment foresees that processing observed objects and their verbal labels should share similar neural mechanisms. In a combined behavioral and MEG study, we compared the modulation of motor responses and cortical rhythms during the processing of graspable natural objects and tools, either verbally or pictorially presented. Our findings demonstrate that conveying meaning to an observed object or processing its noun similarly modulates both motor responses and cortical rhythms; being natural graspable objects and tools differently represented in the brain, they affect in a different manner both behavioral and MEG findings, independent of presentation modality. These results provide experimental evidence that neural substrates responsible for conveying meaning to objects overlap with those where the object is represented, thus supporting an embodied view of semantic processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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14 pages, 2832 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Visual Duration but Not Numerosity Is Distorted While Running

by Irene Petrizzo, Giovanni Anobile, Eleonora Chelli, Roberto Arrighi and David Charles Burr

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 81; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12010081 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1954

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that action and perception interact in the processing of magnitudes such as duration and numerosity. Sustained physical exercise (such as running or cycling) increases the apparent duration of visual stimuli presented during the activity. However, the effect of exercise on numerosity perception has not yet been investigated. Here, we asked participants to make either a temporal or a numerical judgment by comparing the duration or numerosity of standard stimuli displayed at rest with those presented while running. The results support previous reports in showing that physical activity significantly expands perceived duration; however, it had no effect on perceived numerosity. Furthermore, the distortions of the perceived durations vanished soon after the running session, making it unlikely that physiological factors such as heart rate underlie the temporal distortion. Taken together, these results suggest a domain-selective influence of the motor system on the perception of time, rather than a general effect on magnitude. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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16 pages, 3490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implicit Associations between Adverbs of Place and Actions in the Physical and Digital Space

by Laila Craighero and Maddalena Marini

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(11), 1523; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11111523 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

Neuropsychological, behavioral, and neurophysiological evidence indicates that the coding of space as near and far depends on the involvement of different neuronal circuits. These circuits are recruited on the basis of functional parameters, not of metrical ones, reflecting a general distinction of human behavior, which alternatively attributes to the individual the role of agent or observer. Although much research in cognitive psychology was devoted to demonstrating that language and concepts are rooted in the sensorimotor system, no study has investigated the presence of implicit associations between different adverbs of place (far vs. near) and actions with different functional characteristics. Using a series of Implicit Association Test (IAT) experiments, we tested this possibility for both actions performed in physical space (grasp vs. look at) and those performed when using digital technology (content generation vs. content consumption). For both the physical and digital environments, the results showed an association between the adverb near and actions related to the role of agent, and between the adverb far and actions related to the role of observer. Present findings are the first experimental evidence of an implicit association between different adverbs of place and different actions and of the fact that adverbs of place also apply to the digital environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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16 pages, 1902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensory-Motor Modulations of EEG Event-Related Potentials Reflect Walking-Related Macro-Affordances

by Annalisa Tosoni, Emanuele Cosimo Altomare, Marcella Brunetti, Pierpaolo Croce, Filippo Zappasodi and Giorgia Committeri

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(11), 1506; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11111506 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

One fundamental principle of the brain functional organization is the elaboration of sensory information for the specification of action plans that are most appropriate for interaction with the environment. Using an incidental go/no-go priming paradigm, we have previously shown a facilitation effect for the execution of a walking-related action in response to far vs. near objects/locations in the extrapersonal space, and this effect has been called “macro-affordance” to reflect the role of locomotion in the coverage of extrapersonal distance. Here, we investigated the neurophysiological underpinnings of such an effect by recording scalp electroencephalography (EEG) from 30 human participants during the same paradigm. The results of a whole-brain analysis indicated a significant modulation of the event-related potentials (ERPs) both during prime and target stimulus presentation. Specifically, consistent with a mechanism of action anticipation and automatic activation of affordances, a stronger ERP was observed in response to prime images framing the environment from a far vs. near distance, and this modulation was localized in dorso-medial motor regions. In addition, an inversion of polarity for far vs. near conditions was observed during the subsequent target period in dorso-medial parietal regions associated with spatially directed foot-related actions. These findings were interpreted within the framework of embodied models of brain functioning as arising from a mechanism of motor-anticipation and subsequent prediction error which was guided by the preferential affordance relationship between the distant large-scale environment and locomotion. More in general, our findings reveal a sensory-motor mechanism for the processing of walking-related environmental affordances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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16 pages, 821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Influence of the Dorsal Premotor and Primary Somatosensory Cortex on Corticospinal Excitability during Kinesthetic and Visual Motor Imagery: A Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study

by Viola Oldrati, Alessandra Finisguerra, Alessio Avenanti, Salvatore Maria Aglioti and Cosimo Urgesi

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(9), 1196; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11091196 - 10 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2706

Abstract

Consistent evidence suggests that motor imagery involves the activation of several sensorimotor areas also involved during action execution, including the dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC) and the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). However, it is still unclear whether their involvement is specific for either kinesthetic or visual imagery or whether they contribute to motor activation for both modalities. Although sensorial experience during motor imagery is often multimodal, identifying the modality exerting greater facilitation of the motor system may allow optimizing the functional outcomes of rehabilitation interventions. In a sample of healthy adults, we combined 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to suppress neural activity of the dPMC, S1, and primary motor cortex (M1) with single-pulse TMS over M1 for measuring cortico-spinal excitability (CSE) during kinesthetic and visual motor imagery of finger movements as compared to static imagery conditions. We found that rTMS over both dPMC and S1, but not over M1, modulates the muscle-specific facilitation of CSE during kinesthetic but not during visual motor imagery. Furthermore, dPMC rTMS suppressed the facilitation of CSE, whereas S1 rTMS boosted it. The results highlight the differential pattern of cortico-cortical connectivity within the sensorimotor system during the mental simulation of the kinesthetic and visual consequences of actions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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14 pages, 880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Facial Exercises in Facial Expression Categorization in Schizophrenia

by Francesco Pancotti, Sonia Mele, Vincenzo Callegari, Raffaella Bivi, Francesca Saracino and Laila Craighero

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(7), 825; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11070825 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2674

Abstract

Embodied cognition theories suggest that observation of facial expression induces the same pattern of muscle activation, and that this contributes to emotion recognition. Consequently, the inability to form facial expressions would affect emotional understanding. Patients with schizophrenia show a reduced ability to express and perceive facial emotions. We assumed that a physical training specifically developed to mobilize facial muscles could improve the ability to perform facial movements, and, consequently, spontaneous mimicry and facial expression recognition. Twenty-four inpatient participants with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to the experimental and control group. At the beginning and at the end of the study, both groups were submitted to a facial expression categorization test and their data compared. The experimental group underwent a training period during which the lip muscles, and the muscles around the eyes were mobilized through the execution of transitive actions. Participants were trained three times a week for five weeks. Results showed a positive impact of the physical training in the recognition of others’ facial emotions, specifically for the responses of “fear”, the emotion for which the recognition deficit in the test is most severe. This evidence suggests that a specific deficit of the sensorimotor system may result in a specific cognitive deficit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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14 pages, 1183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Procedural Learning through Action Observation: Preliminary Evidence from Virtual Gardening Activity in Intellectual Disability

by Alberto Giachero, Agnese Quadrini, Francesca Pisano, Melanie Calati, Cristian Rugiero, Laura Ferrero, Lorenzo Pia and Paola Marangolo

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(6), 766; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11060766 - 09 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3341

Abstract

Intellectual disability (ID) compromises intellectual and adaptive functioning. People with an ID show difficulty with procedural skills, with loss of autonomy in daily life. From an embodiment perspective, observation of action promotes motor skill learning. Among promising technologies, virtual reality (VR) offers the possibility of engaging the sensorimotor system, thus, improving cognitive functions and adaptive capacities. Indeed, VR can be used as sensorimotor feedback, which enhances procedural learning. In the present study, fourteen subjects with an ID underwent progressive steps training combined with VR aimed at learning gardening procedures. All participants were trained twice a week for fourteen weeks (total 28 sessions). Participants were first recorded while sowing zucchini, then they were asked to observe a virtual video which showed the correct procedure. Next, they were presented with their previous recordings, and they were asked to pay attention and to comment on the errors made. At the end of the treatment, the results showed that all participants were able to correctly garden in a real environment. Interestingly, action observation facilitated, not only procedural skills, but also specific cognitive abilities. This evidence emphasizes, for the first time, that action observation combined with VR improves procedural learning in ID. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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Review

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24 pages, 390 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Affordances to Abstract Words: The Flexibility of Sensorimotor Grounding

by Claudia Mazzuca, Chiara Fini, Arthur Henri Michalland, Ilenia Falcinelli, Federico Da Rold, Luca Tummolini and Anna M. Borghi

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(10), 1304; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11101304 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3319

Abstract

The sensorimotor system plays a critical role in several cognitive processes. Here, we review recent studies documenting this interplay at different levels. First, we concentrate on studies that have shown how the sensorimotor system is flexibly involved in interactions with objects. We report evidence demonstrating how social context and situations influence affordance activation, and then focus on tactile and kinesthetic components in body–object interactions. Then, we turn to word use, and review studies that have shown that not only concrete words, but also abstract words are grounded in the sensorimotor system. We report evidence that abstract concepts activate the mouth effector more than concrete concepts, and discuss this effect in light of studies on adults, children, and infants. Finally, we pinpoint possible sensorimotor mechanisms at play in the acquisition and use of abstract concepts. Overall, we show that the involvement of the sensorimotor system is flexibly modulated by context, and that its role can be integrated and flanked by that of other systems such as the linguistic system. We suggest that to unravel the role of the sensorimotor system in cognition, future research should fully explore the complexity of this intricate, and sometimes slippery, relation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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