Thinking, Walking, Talking: Integratory Motor and Cognitive Brain Function

Gerry Leisman, Ahmed A. Moustafa, Tal Shafir

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

In this article, we argue that motor and cognitive processes are functionally related and most likely share a similar evolutionary history. This is supported by clinical and neural data showing that some brain regions integrate both motor and cognitive functions. In addition, we also argue that cognitive processes coincide with complex motor output. Further, we also review data that support the converse notion that motor processes can contribute to cognitive function, as found by many rehabilitation and aerobic exercise training programs. Support is provided for motor and cognitive processes possessing dynamic bidirectional influences on each other.

Original languageEnglish
Article number94
JournalFrontiers in Public Health
Volume4
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 May 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported in part by a grant to GL under the Kamea Dor-Bet program and by a grant-in-aid from the Children’s Autism Hope Project.

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2016 Leisman, Moustafa and Shafir.

Keywords

  • basal ganglia
  • cerebellum
  • cognitive processes
  • cognitive–motor interaction
  • executive function
  • motor processes
  • prefrontal cortex
  • premotor cortex

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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