Comparison of Cortical Activation During Real Walking and Mental Imagery of Walking - The Possibility of Quickening Walking Rehabilitation by Mental Imaginary of Walking

Abstract

Non-invasive brain imaging technologies have become an increasingly important part of research in neurosciences. The thirst for information about brain function is universal, and imaging of the human brain has been used by many as a medium for the discussion. So far, Functional brain imaging with positron emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalographic (EEG), and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) have greatly increased scientists’ ability to study localized brain activity in humans and carry out studies for better understanding of the neural basis of mental states. They have been used extensively to map regional changes in brain activity, not only in neuroscience researches, as well as in social sciences to objectively and quantitatively evaluate psychological problems. PET and fMRI are based on changes in local circulation and metabolism (Raichle & Mintun, 2006). PET produces detailed three-dimensional images of certain processes in the brain by detecting gamma rays emitted indirectly by radioactive material which has been injected into the person’s blood stream prior to scanning. fMRI produces high quality pictures of the brain's delicate soft tissue structures using strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties of hydrogen, creating useful images of organs and soft tissues. MEG and EEG image electrical activity in the brain. MEG measures magnetic fields generated by small electrical currents in neurons of the brain using arrays of SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices). EEG uses multiple electrodes fixed to the person’s scalp to measure the dynamic pattern of electrical fields in the brain. In cognitive neuroscience, researchers use EEG technology to study event-related potentials (ERPs)—brain measurements that are associated with a response to a stimulus.