A new method to record and control for 2D-movement kinematics during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Bjoern Hauptmann, Ronen Sosnik, Oded Smikt, Eli Okon, David Manor, Tammar Kushnir, Tamar Flash, Avi Karni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The recording of movement kinematics during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments is complicated due to technical constraints of the imaging environment. Nevertheless, to study the functions of brain areas related to motor control, reliable and accurate records of movement trajectories and speed profiles are needed. We present a method designed to record and characterize the kinematic properties of drawing- and handwriting-like forearm movements during fMRI studies by recording pen stroke trajectories. The recording system consists of a translucent plastic board, a plastic pen containing fiber optics and a halogen light power source, a CCD camera, a video monitor and a PC with a video grabber card. Control experiments using a commercially available digitizer tablet have demonstrated the reliability of the data recorded during fMRI. Since the movement tracking signal is purely optical, there is no interaction with the MR (echoplanar) images. Thus, the method allows to obtain movement records with high spatial and temporal resolution which are suitable for the kinematic analysis of hand movements in fMRI studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)407-417
Number of pages11
JournalCortex
Volume45
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009

Keywords

  • Drawing
  • Handwriting
  • Motor control
  • Motor learning
  • Movement sequences
  • Movement trajectories

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A new method to record and control for 2D-movement kinematics during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this