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Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the cortical areas
involved in the control of self-determined finger movements. In a
tapping task subjects should tap with different movement speed (low
versus high) in two different control conditions (predetermined
versus self-determined). It was asked whether speed and control
condition affect the activation associated with movement control.
Functional MR images were acquired at 3T (Bruker Medspec 30/100)
using a HF spoiled version of the MUSIC technique (TE 40ms, TR
70ms). Results: a comparison of subjects with significant changes
of activation in the different control conditions revealed a
network consisting of the left horizontal part of the intraparietal
sulcus (IPS), left superior frontal gyrus and the posterior
cingulate gyrus to be relevant for controlling self-determined
finger movements. Intensity of activation depended on movement
speed only in the IPS. The results suggest a major role of the IPS
in the local control of sequences of finger movements. This area
probably serves as a region for integration of motor, sensory and
sensorimotor feed-back information used for movement
control.
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