Spatial representation in the brain related to motor learning

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26750239
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Developmental mechanisms and the body works
• Research Institution: Kochi University of Technology
• Principal Investigator: KADOTA HIROSHI 高知工科大学, 総合研究所, 准教授 (00415366)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 運動学習 / ｆMRI

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Human motor learning ability is one of the most important skills not only in sport or rehabilitation but also in daily life. The aim of this study was to investigate brain activities related to motor learning, by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Subjects were required to manipulate MRI compatible joystick to move a visual cursor on the monitor, and performed reaching task with visuomotor rotation. I recorded and analyzed brain activities when they learned a novel environment. The results suggested that the regions in the brain were changed by motor learning, and brain activation patterns were different depending on the visual information although subjects’ movements were similar.

Free Research Field

システム神経科学