Abstract
Recent studies of corticospinal excitability during observation of grasping and lifting of objects of different weight have highlighted the role of agent's kinematics in modulating observer's motor excitability. Here, we investigate whether explicit weight-related information, provided by written labels on the objects, modulate the excitability of the observer's motor system and how this modulation is affected when there is a conflict between label and object's weight. We measured TMS-evoked motor potentials (MEPs) from right hand intrinsic muscles, while subjects were observing an actor lifting objects of different weights, in some trials labeled (heavy/light) in congruent or incongruent way. Results confirmed a weight-related modulation of MEPs based on kinematic cues. Interestingly, any conflict between the labels and the actual weight (i.e., explicit versus implicit information), although never consciously noticed by the observer, deeply affected the mirroring of others' actions. Our findings stress the automatic involvement of the mirror-neuron system.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
