Neurophysiological evidence of motor contribution to vicarious affective touch.

ABSTRACT: Understanding observed interpersonal touch, particularly the so-called affective touch targeting the CT fibers, is essential for social interactions. Research has documented that observing other people being touched activates the same cortical areas involved in direct tactile experiences. However, observing interpersonal touch also activates an inner simulation of the movements in the observer's motor system. Given the social and affective significance of CT-optimal touch, the present study tested the hypothesis that observing stroking touches targeting or not targeting the CT fibers system might distinctly influence motor resonance to vicarious touch. With this aim, we used single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor-evoked potentials recording while participants observed vid

SUBMITTER: Butti N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11540462 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature