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Exploring the positive involvement of primary motor cortex in observing motor sequences with music: a pilot study with tDCS

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Abstract

Introduction

The present study aims at exploring the effects of the depolarization of the primary motor cortex (M1), which is supposed to be associated to the mirror neuron system (MNS), via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and of synchronous music on individuals’ responses to observed actions/non actions in a sample of individuals with low sports expertise.

The two main theories behind this study are linked to the role of the MNS in the human brain and the embodied cognition theory, which suggests an interdependent relationship between action, perception and cognition.

Method

Nineteen college students attending to BA in motor science watched five videos (one presenting a target motor action performed by a basketball player and the other four presenting human vs. non-human performed actions as a control), with or without background music and with or without anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex.

Results and Conclusions

Data highlighted that observation promoted the activation of MNS, which led to a more deep and probably adequate processing of the stimulus. Music enhanced this effect, even when the MNS is affected by anodal stimulation, and should hence be considered as a valid support when both physical and psychological complications occur in rehabilitation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy

    B. Colombo, C. Di Nuzzo, A. Antonietti & D. Tavian

  2. Centro di Ricerche in Biochimica e Nutrizione dello Sport, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy

    S. Missaglia & D. Tavian

  3. Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

    A. Mordente

  4. Department of Pedagogy, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy

    F. Casolo

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  1. B. Colombo
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  2. C. Di Nuzzo
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  3. S. Missaglia
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Correspondence to B. Colombo.

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Colombo, B., Di Nuzzo, C., Missaglia, S. et al. Exploring the positive involvement of primary motor cortex in observing motor sequences with music: a pilot study with tDCS. Sport Sci Health 9, 89–96 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-013-0149-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-013-0149-6

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