Why motor imagery is not really motoric: towards a re-conceptualization in terms of effect-based action control

Abstract

Overt and imagined action seem inextricably linked. Both have similar timing, activate shared brain circuits, and motor imagery influences overt action and vice versa. Motor imagery is, therefore, often assumed to recruit the same motor processes that govern action execution, and which allow one to play through or simulate actions offline. Here, we advance a very different conceptualization. Accordingly, the links between imagery and overt action do not arise because action imagery is intrinsically motoric, but because action planning is intrinsically imaginistic and occurs in terms of the perceptual effects one want to achieve. Seen like this, the term ‘motor imagery’ is a misnomer of what is more appropriately portrayed as ‘effect imagery’. In this article, we review the long-standing arguments for effect-based accounts of action, which are often ignored in motor imagery research. We show that such views provide a straightforward account of motor imagery. We review the evidence for imagery-execution overlaps through this new lens and argue that they indeed emerge because every action we execute is planned, initiated and controlled through an imagery-like process. We highlight findings that this new view can now explain and point out open questions.

Movement Representation Strategies as a Tool for Educational Innovation in Physiotherapy Students: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled-Pilot Trial

“…Previous research found that both MIP and OAP have shown a greater hand-learning process than a placebo [12,13]. Several hypotheses have been proposed [14], but it seems that processes of MRS share certain cerebral representations, along with processes of preparation for and real motor execution, suggesting that every action we execute is planned, initiated, and controlled through an imagery-like process [15,16]. Neuroimaging studies have revealed that, during MRS, there is a neurophysiological activation of the brain areas involved in the planning and execution of voluntary movement (primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area, cerebellum, premotor area, the inferior and superior parietal lobule, and the basal ganglia) similar to what happens when the movement is actually performed [17,18].…”

Motor inhibition prevents motor execution during typing imagery: evidence from an action‐mode switching paradigm

“…Previous research has postulated at least three (non-exclusive) potential inhibitory mechanisms that might operate during motor imagery (Guillot, Di Rienzo, et al, 2012). First, the need to prevent execution could be integrated within the representation of the action to be produced internally so that only "subthreshold" motor commands are involved during motor imagery (see also Bach et al, 2022;Glover et al, 2020). Second, motor inhibition could be applied broadly to all ongoing actions and to all effectors involved in these actions (global motor inhibition).…”

The effect of action observation and motor imagery on jumping and perceived performance

“…AOMI could be an important tool for enhancing jumping performance because the nature of the jumping movement requires the interaction of both visual and kinesthetic elements ( Wright et al, 2022 ). AOMI can support the formation of mental representations of the jumping movement by observing the correct form and technique of the jump ( Eaves et al, 2016a ; Kim et al, 2017 ; Bach et al, 2022 ). This method can enhance movement performance by increasing brain activation of the muscle groups actively used during jumping.…”