Motor simulation without motor expertise: enhanced corticospinal excitability in visually experienced dance spectators.

ABSTRACT: The human "mirror-system" is suggested to play a crucial role in action observation and execution, and is characterized by activity in the premotor and parietal cortices during the passive observation of movements. The previous motor experience of the observer has been shown to enhance the activity in this network. Yet visual experience could also have a determinant influence when watching more complex actions, as in dance performances. Here we tested the impact visual experience has on motor simulation when watching dance, by measuring changes in corticospinal excitability. We also tested the effects of empathic abilities. To fully match the participants' long-term visual experience with the present experimental setting, we used three live solo dance performances: ballet, Indian dance, an

SUBMITTER: Jola C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3310063 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature