Visuomotor synergy based on the integration of both sides of the brain

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Visuomotor Synergy Based on Integration of Both Sides of the Brain

Introduction to Visuomotor Integration

Visuomotor integration is the process by which visual information is translated into motor actions. This complex process involves multiple brain regions working in concert to ensure that visual stimuli are accurately and efficiently converted into appropriate motor responses. Understanding how both hemispheres of the brain contribute to this integration is crucial for comprehending the underlying mechanisms of coordinated movement and perception.

Large-Scale Visuomotor Integration in the Cerebral Cortex

Efficient visuomotor behavior relies on the integrated processing of visual and motor systems within the cerebral cortex. Research involving event-related local field potentials recorded from monkeys performing a visuomotor task has shown that activations begin in the striate cortex and quickly spread to other visual areas. Early onset latencies are also observed in motor, premotor, and prefrontal areas, indicating that perceptual decision formation and response selection arise through concurrent processes in visual, motor, and executive areas. This suggests a significant overlap in the sensory and motor stages of visuomotor processing.

Bilateral Dorsal Fronto-Parietal Network and Visual Motion Integration

The integration of visual motion information with timed motor actions involves a bilateral dorsal fronto-parietal network. An fMRI study demonstrated that during tasks requiring the interception of moving objects, there is increased activity in the intraparietal sulcus, angular gyrus, and human visual motion area hV5+. These areas are crucial for integrating visual information of motion with motor actions, highlighting the role of both hemispheres in processing dynamic visual stimuli and coordinating motor responses.

Asymmetry in Interhemispheric Transfer of Visuomotor Information

A meta-analysis of studies using unimanual reaction time paradigms with lateralized visual stimuli revealed an asymmetry in interhemispheric transfer times. The right hemisphere shows superiority in detecting simple visual stimuli, while the left hemisphere excels in executing manual responses. This suggests that the transfer of visuomotor information from the right hemisphere (visual processing) to the left hemisphere (motor execution) is faster than the reverse direction, indicating an asymmetric integration process between the hemispheres.

Generalization of Visuomotor Learning Between Bilateral and Unilateral Conditions

Visuomotor learning can generalize between bilateral and unilateral movement conditions. Research indicates substantial transfer of visuomotor adaptations from bilateral to unilateral conditions for both arms. This suggests that the neural processes underlying visuomotor transformations are shared between the two movement conditions, supporting a two-stage model of motor planning where visuomotor transformation precedes effector-specific commands.

Changes in Brain Networks with Increased Movement Automaticity

Learning a motor skill involves changes in brain activation patterns. During the initial stages of learning, there is significant activity in cortical regions such as the prefrontal, bilateral sensorimotor, and parietal cortices. As performance improves and movements become more automatic, activity shifts to subcortical regions including the cerebellum and basal ganglia. This shift indicates a transition from conscious, attention-demanding processes to more automatic, subcortical control.

Neurogenetic Signatures of the Visuomotor Integration System

Visuomotor impairments are associated with various neurological disorders and neurogenetic syndromes. Research has identified specific genes, such as TBR1, SCN1A, MAGEL2, and CACNB4, that are linked to the cortical regions involved in visuomotor integration. These genes play a central role in the neuronal organization of the visuomotor integration system, suggesting that genetic expression patterns contribute to the functional impairments observed in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and Prader-Willi syndrome.

Temporal Dynamics of Brain Activity in Visuomotor Learning

The temporal dynamics of brain activity during visuomotor associative learning involve a distributed cortical network centered on a temporo-prefrontal circuit. Early learning stages are supported by the hippocampal/parahippocampal complex, while later stages involve the basal ganglia system. This indicates that different brain regions are engaged at various stages of learning, with the inferior temporal and ventral prefrontal cortex playing critical roles in integrating perceptual information with executive processes.

Interlimb Generalization of Learned Visuomotor Prior

Visuomotor learning can generalize across limbs, with the learned mean of visuomotor shifts transferring to the opposite limb when the perturbation is congruent in extrinsic coordinates. This suggests that the neural representation of visuomotor learning is coded in an extrinsic reference frame and is accessible to both limbs, highlighting the brain's ability to generalize learned visuomotor information across different contexts.

Conclusion

Visuomotor synergy involves complex interactions between both hemispheres of the brain, with significant contributions from various cortical and subcortical regions. The integration of visual and motor information is essential for coordinated movement and is influenced by genetic factors, learning stages, and the ability to generalize across different movement conditions. Understanding these processes provides valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying visuomotor integration and its role in both typical and atypical development.