Cerebellar encoding of limb position

Abstract

In this paper, we review single and multijoint studies that, over the years, have provided insight on the cerebellar encoding of limb spatial position. In particular, we present support to the idea that the cerebellum integrates signals from multiple sources to encode global limb parameters. Then, we highlight the result of recent studies that analyzed quantitatively the relationships between limb end-point position and cerebellar activity. These findings suggest that the cerebellum may share with other central sensory-motor structures an anisotropic representation of limb position characterized by a strong bias along the anteroposterior axis. Finally, we speculate that this anisotropy may also subtend an internal representation of limb mechanics.