Comparison of Externally and Self-Initiated Movements

Overview

This study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate how the brain controls voluntary movements triggered by an external stimulus or self-initiated. Registered HCMS healthy normal volunteers may participate. They will complete a questionnaire and will have a medical history and brief physical examination. The study consists of two parts: 1) body movement training and 2) magnetic resonance imaging, as follows: Part 1 - Body movement training Participants will train to do three different body movements involving the hands and feet. The movements will either be self-initiated or in response to a stimulus, such as a visual or auditory trigger. Part 2 - Magnetic resonance imaging Participants will do one or more of the trained movements, with or without a triggering stimulus, during MRI scanning. MRI is a diagnostic procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of brain structure and activity. For the procedure, the subject lies on a stretcher that is moved into the scanner-a cylinder containing a strong magnet. Earplugs are worn to protect the ears from loud thumping noises that occur with electrical switching of radio frequency circuits. Scanning time varies from 20 minutes to 2 hours, with most examinations lasting 1 to 1-1/2 hours. The subject can communicate with the staff person conducting the test at all times during the scan. A device compatible with magnetic resonance will be used to record the participant's body movements. The participant may be asked to push buttons of the device during the tasks.

Voluntary movements are divided into two categories, one is externally triggered movement and the other is self-initiated movement. The underlying neural mechanisms in each movement have been investigated, but they are not fully understood. The present study is aimed to understand the neural mechanisms, especially aimed to find out the commonly devoted brain area for the categorized movements. By obtaining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals during triggered movement tasks designed from 3 input triggers of different modalities (visual, auditory, and somatosensory) and 3 output movements of different body parts (right hand, left hand, and right foot), we will determine the brain regions specially devoted for each input or output, and commonly devoted for triggered movements. By obtaining fMRI signals during spontaneous voluntary movement tasks designed from 3 output movements of the same body parts, we will determine the brain regions specially devoted for specific execution and commonly devoted for the voluntarily chosen movements.