This proposal investigates the nature of the neural basis of motor behavior, as a special window into higher brain functions. In this investigation, we link sophisticated three-dimensional computergraphic analyses of movement with experiments that allow us to infer underlying motor control processes performed under conditions of failure of specific motor systems. All of the experiments that follow proceed from this unique vantage point, and should mark a significant advance in our understanding of brain function for motor behavior. Five experiments are proposed that investigate performance of patients with damage to three central motor systems of the brain. Neural Basis of Motor Planning and Control Experiment 1-3 study the neural basis of motor planning and control, beginning with the possible breakdown of a motor law, moving to the spatial control of hand trajectories, and finally to underlying brain processes for complex movements. Neural Basis of Motor Equivalence Experiment 4 investigates the neural basis of a process of motor control integral to the production of speech as well as control of the limbs, that of motor equivalence. Interplay Between Linguistic and Motor Behavior Experiment 5 begins the investigation of the interplay between neural control processes for linguistic and for motor behavior, from the study of a motor disorder in deaf signers. These three-dimensional, computergraphic analyses of movement should not only advance our understanding of the neural basis of motor behavior but should also serve as a useful tool in evaluating diseases which affect the motor systems of the brain.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29NS025149-05
Application #
3477017
Study Section
Sensory Disorders and Language Study Section (CMS)
Project Start
1989-09-01
Project End
1992-08-31
Budget Start
1991-09-01
Budget End
1992-08-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Rutgers University
Department
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
130029205
City
Newark
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
07102
Sainburg, R L; Poizner, H; Ghez, C (1993) Loss of proprioception produces deficits in interjoint coordination. J Neurophysiol 70:2136-47
Poizner, H; Kritchevsky, M (1991) Three-dimensional trajectory analysis of congenital mirror movements in a single subject. Percept Mot Skills 73:447-66
Poizner, H; Mack, L; Verfaellie, M et al. (1990) Three-dimensional computergraphic analysis of apraxia. Neural representations of learned movement. Brain 113 ( Pt 1):85-101
Bellugi, U; Poizner, H; Klima, E S (1989) Language, modality and the brain. Trends Neurosci 12:380-8
Jennings, P J; Poizner, H (1988) Computergraphic modeling and analysis II: three-dimensional reconstruction and interactive analysis. J Neurosci Methods 24:45-55