An internal model of a moving visual target in the lateral cerebellum

Abstract

In order to overcome the relatively long delay in processing visual feedback information when pursuing a moving visual target, it is necessary to predict the future trajectory of the target if it is to be tracked with accuracy. Predictive behaviour can be achieved through internal models, and the cerebellum has been implicated as a site for their operation. Purkinje cells in the lateral cerebellum (D zones) respond to visual inputs during visually guided tracking and it has been proposed that their neural activity reflects the operation of an internal model of target motion. Here we provide direct evidence for the existence of such a model in the cerebellum by demonstrating an internal model of a moving external target. Single unit recordings of Purkinje cells in lateral cerebellum (D2 zone) were made in cats trained to perform a predictable visually guided reaching task. For all Purkinje cells that showed tonic simple spike activity during target movement, this tonic activity was maintained during the transient disappearance of the target. Since simple spike activity could not be correlated to eye or limb movements, and the target was familiar and moved in a predictable fashion, we conclude that the Purkinje cell activity reflects the operation of an internal model based on memory of its previous motion. Such a model of the target's motion, reflected in the maintained modulation during the target's absence, could be used in a predictive capacity in the interception of a moving object.

Inside the brain of an elite athlete: the neural processes that support high achievement in sports

“…A recent study in cats showed that neuronal discharge in the lateral cerebellum was predictive of target motion 110 ; the authors speculated that such activity could be used in a predictive capacity for target interception. This result might plausibly be extrapolated to an athlete predicting the effect of an opponent's motion on ball trajectory.…”

Evidence for a retinal velocity memory underlying the direction of anticipatory smooth pursuit eye movements

“…Cerebellum has the ability to encode and decode the timing and target trajectories for predictive pursuit (Cerminara et al 2009;Kettner et al 1997;Lisberger 2008, 2009;Suh et al 1997Suh et al , 2000, and partial ablations of the cerebellum cause deficits in smooth pursuit and VOR adaptation (Rambold et al 2002). To our knowledge, no electrophysiological evidence for retinal neuronal reference frames exists in cerebellar neurons, therefore making it unclear whether cerebellum could encode and maintain a retinal velocity memory.…”

“…In support of the first hypothesis, many studies have pointed to the cerebellum because of its involvement in motor learning and in predictive pursuit tasks (Cerminara et al 2009;Kettner et al 1997;Lisberger 2008, 2009;Suh et al 1997Suh et al , 2000. Cerebellum has the ability to encode and decode the timing and target trajectories for predictive pursuit (Cerminara et al 2009;Kettner et al 1997;Lisberger 2008, 2009;Suh et al 1997Suh et al , 2000, and partial ablations of the cerebellum cause deficits in smooth pursuit and VOR adaptation (Rambold et al 2002).…”

Evolution of a predictive internal model in an embodied and situated agent

“…For example Wolpert et al (1995) claim that in many cases action is goal-directed and supported by internal models. Moreover, there is a vast literature that show how prediction and internal models play an important role in (visuo)motor control (Kawato, 1999;Miall and Wolpert, 1996) and in the stabilization of perception (von Holst and Mittelstaedt, 1950), allow to circumvent the problems caused by the delay with which sensory information reach the central nervous system (during the execution of fast reaching movements (Cerminara et al, 2009;Desmurget and Grafton, 2000) or during walking and posture control behavior (von Hofsten, 2004)), and allow to cancel self-produced stimuli so to focus the attention on relevant external stimuli (Webb, 2004). The idea of internal modeling is not confined to the motor domain but it is increasingly being used as a unifying concept that relates sensorimotor, cognitive and social abilities, including for example off-line motor planning, motor imagery, reasoning, imitation, mindreading, and cooperation (Frith et al, 2000;Grush, 2004;Jeannerod, 2006;Pezzulo, 2011;Schubotz, 2007;Wolpert et al, 2003).…”