Beyond the "Bereitschaftspotential": Action preparation behind cognitive functions

TY - JOUR

T1 - Beyond the "Bereitschaftspotential": Action preparation behind cognitive functions

AU - Di Russo, F

AU - Berchicci, M

AU - Bozzacchi, C

AU - Perri, R L

AU - Pitzalis, S

AU - Spinelli, D

N1 - Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PY - 2017/6

Y1 - 2017/6

N2 - Research on preparatory brain processes taking place before acting shows unexpected connections with cognitive processing. From 50 years, we know that motor-related brain activity can be measured by electrocortical recordings 1-3s before voluntary actions. This readiness potential has been associated with increasing excitably of premotor and motor areas and directly linked to the kinematic of the upcoming action. Now we know that the mere motor preparation is only one function of a more complex preparatory activity. Recent research shows that before any action many cognitive processes may occur depending on various aspects of the action, such as complexity, meaning, emotional valence, fatigue and consequences of the action itself. In addition to studies on self-paced action, the review considers also studies on externally-triggered paradigms showing differences in preparation processes related to age, physical exercise, and task instructions. Evidences from electrophysiological and neuroimaging recording indicate that in addition to the motor areas, the prefrontal, parietal and sensory cortices may be active during action preparation to anticipate future events and calibrate responses.

AB - Research on preparatory brain processes taking place before acting shows unexpected connections with cognitive processing. From 50 years, we know that motor-related brain activity can be measured by electrocortical recordings 1-3s before voluntary actions. This readiness potential has been associated with increasing excitably of premotor and motor areas and directly linked to the kinematic of the upcoming action. Now we know that the mere motor preparation is only one function of a more complex preparatory activity. Recent research shows that before any action many cognitive processes may occur depending on various aspects of the action, such as complexity, meaning, emotional valence, fatigue and consequences of the action itself. In addition to studies on self-paced action, the review considers also studies on externally-triggered paradigms showing differences in preparation processes related to age, physical exercise, and task instructions. Evidences from electrophysiological and neuroimaging recording indicate that in addition to the motor areas, the prefrontal, parietal and sensory cortices may be active during action preparation to anticipate future events and calibrate responses.

KW - Journal Article

KW - Review

U2 - 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.019

DO - 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.019

M3 - Article

C2 - 28445742

SN - 0149-7634

VL - 78

SP - 57

EP - 81

JO - Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews

JF - Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews

ER -