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Underlying interactive neural mechanism of motor learning governed by the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, and motor/sensory cortex: a review from theoretical perspective

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Abstract

The pursuit of effective motion rehabilitation devices has been a prominent focus of research in recent decades. However, the efficacy of such devices relies heavily on their ability to induce motor learning. Thus, understanding the neuroscientific principles underlying motor learning is crucial. This paper highlights a significant number of studies investigating the roles of various brain regions such as the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and motor cortex in motor learning, either individually or in interactive processes. However, due to the theoretical nature of many proposed ideas, definitive conclusions about acceptable brain interactive mechanisms facilitating motor learning are challenging. Addressing the lack of a comprehensive review paper to scrutinize and compare these hypotheses, identify weaknesses, and offer new directions for researchers, this study provides a theoretical perspective review. Excluding works solely focused on neurophysiological connections or computational models, it categorizes selected papers into topics related to the contributions of basal ganglia, cerebellum, motor/sensory cortex, and super-learning mechanisms in motor learning. The analysis suggests that concepts emphasizing super-learning hypotheses and information transmission mechanisms offer valuable insights into the processes underlying motor learning, warranting greater attention for designing rehabilitation interventions. Nonetheless, further experimental evidence is necessary to validate these hypotheses.

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No funding was received for conducting this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy

    Armin Hakkak Moghadam Torbati

  2. School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

    Shahab Jami

  3. Research Center of Biomedical Engineering, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

    Hamidreza Kobravi, Mohammad Amin Gholibeigi & Asal Ashkzari

  4. Department of Physics “Ettore Pancini”, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy

    Narges Davoudi

Authors
  1. Armin Hakkak Moghadam Torbati
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  2. Shahab Jami
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  3. Hamidreza Kobravi
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  4. Narges Davoudi
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  5. Mohammad Amin Gholibeigi
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  6. Asal Ashkzari
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Contributions

Conceptualization, A.H.M.T, S.H, and H.K.; writing—original draft preparation, A.H.M.T, S.H, N.D, M.G, A.A, and H.K.; writing—review and editing, A.H.M.T and H.K.; supervision, A.H.M.T and H.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Armin Hakkak Moghadam Torbati.

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The authors declare that this review article adheres to ethical standards and guidelines, including proper citation and attribution of sources. As this is just a review of other papers does not need other regulations regarding human and animal subjects.

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Torbati, A.H.M., Jami, S., Kobravi, H. et al. Underlying interactive neural mechanism of motor learning governed by the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, and motor/sensory cortex: a review from theoretical perspective. Neurosci Behav Physi (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-024-01583-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-024-01583-0

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