Neurodynamical Model for the Coupling of Action Perception and Execution

Abstract

In cortical representations action perception and action execution are closely linked, as indicated by the presence of mirror neurons. Experiments show that concurrent action execution and action perception influence each other. We have developed a physiologically-inspired neural model that accounts for the neural encoding of perceived actions and motor plans, and their interactions. The core of the model is a set of coupled neural fields that represent either perceived actions or motor programs. We demonstrate that this model reproduces the results of a variety of quite different experiments investigating the interaction between action perception and execution. It also predicts the emergence and stability of synchronized coordinated behavior of two individuals that observe each other during action execution.