Activation of human primary motor cortex during action observation: A neuromagnetic study

Abstract

The monkey premotor cortex contains neurons that discharge during action execution and during observation of actions made by others. Transcranial magnetic stimulation experiments suggest that a similar observation͞ execution matching system also is present in humans. We recorded neuromagnetic oscillatory activity of the human precentral cortex from 10 healthy volunteers while (i) they had no task to perform, (ii) they were manipulating a small object, and (iii) they were observing another individual performing the same task. The left and right median nerves were stimulated alternately (interstimulus interval, 1.5 s) at intensities exceeding motor threshold, and the poststimulus rebound of the rolandic 15-to 25-Hz activity was quantified. In agreement with previous studies, the rebound was strongly suppressed bilaterally during object manipulation. Most interestingly, the rebound also was significantly diminished during action observation (31-46% of the suppression during object manipulation). Control experiments, in which subjects were instructed to observe stationary or moving stimuli, confirmed the specificity of the suppression effect. Because the recorded 15-to 25-Hz activity is known to originate mainly in the precentral motor cortex, we concluded that the human primary motor cortex is activated during observation as well as execution of motor tasks. These findings have implications for a better understanding of the machinery underlying action recognition in humans.

Memory for pantomimed actions versus actions with real objects

“…Three varieties of action encoding are included because evidence from a variety of methods (hemodynamic imaging, magnetoencephalography, ERPs, single-unit recording) indicate some overlap in the brain areas engaged during execution of an action, motor imagery, and watching someone else perform an action (Beisteiner et al, 1995;Cunnington et al, 1996;Hari et al, 1998;Grafton et al, 1996;Grezes and Decety, 2001;Rizzolatti et al, 1996;Schnitzler et al, 1997). If episodic retrieval involves some degree of recapitulation of study-phase activity, there is thus reason to expect common brain activity when participants retrieve memories with an action element.…”

Power modulation of electroencephalogram mu and beta frequency depends on perceived level of observed actions

“…1998; Hari et al. 1998; Perry and Bentin 2009; Arnstein et al 2011; Fren‐kel‐Toledo et al 2013; for review see Pineda 2005). In agreement with previous literature, we used these indices to probe the activity of the mirror neuron system and examine the level of mu and beta suppression with respect to the level of conscious action perception.…”

A Compensatory Mirror Cortical Mechanism for Facial Affect Processing in Schizophrenia

“…In primates, the observation of actions and gestures performed by others activates the internal representation of these actions, eliciting patterns of neuronal activity similar to those seen when the observing individual executes the same actions (Gallese et al 1996;Hari et al 1998;Iacoboni et al 1999;Rizzolatti et al 1999;Nishitani and Hari 2000). "Resonant" neural systems that match observation and execution of actions have been described in the premotor and motor cortical areas of human and non-human primates (Hari et al 1998;Iacoboni et al 1999;Rizzolatti et al 1999;Nishitani and Hari 2000).…”

“…"Resonant" neural systems that match observation and execution of actions have been described in the premotor and motor cortical areas of human and non-human primates (Hari et al 1998;Iacoboni et al 1999;Rizzolatti et al 1999;Nishitani and Hari 2000). Single-unit activity occurring both during behavior observation and action, especially related to hand and mouth gestures, has been recorded from neurons in the premotor cortex of macaque monkeys that supports the operation of those systems, and it has been termed mirror activity (Gallese et al 1996;Rizzolatti et al 1999).…”

“…Single-unit activity occurring both during behavior observation and action, especially related to hand and mouth gestures, has been recorded from neurons in the premotor cortex of macaque monkeys that supports the operation of those systems, and it has been termed mirror activity (Gallese et al 1996;Rizzolatti et al 1999). Resonant or mirroring systems are believed to have a role in recognizing and interpreting actions or gestures performed by others and their meanings (Gallese et al 1996;Hari et al 1998;Iacoboni et al 1999;Nishitani and Hari 2000;Rizzolatti and Arbib 1998;Gallese and Goldman 1998), as well as in motor rehearsal (Decety et al 1994), imitation (Iacoboni et al 1999;Nishitani and Hari 2000), and learning (Decety et al 1994). Thus, they support social adaptation and functioning.…”