Neural Aspects of Motor Learning Through Real Execution and Motor Imagery in Children

Studies show changes in alpha (7.5 - 15 Hz) and beta (15 - 30 Hz) frequencies before and during motor tasks. However, researchers still disagree on the origin, timing, and direction of this. The neurophysiological mechanisms of motor learning are not yet fully understood. The authors note that event-related beta desynchronization is most commonly associated with motor learning. Reduced beta wave power can be observed in motor cortex, but it is still unclear whether this change is related to motor learning, performance, or movement repetition.

A comparative study of motor imagery and actual performance showed the occurrence of similar neurophysiological processes in the motor cortex. All the mentioned studies were conducted on adults and the results were mainly from the analysis of upper limb movements. In the present study, the investigators will comprehensively evaluate the upper and lower limb movements of children: from the recognition of visual stimuli to the generation of the motor program and the execution itself (behavioral data).

Forty-five children (year 2009) will be recruited from local primary schools. In a single-blinded design, children will be randomized into three groups (1st - real execution, 2nd - motor imagery, 3rd - control) and compared at baseline, immediately post-intervention and at follow-up 24 hours post-intervention. At pre-, post-, and follow-up assessments, participants will perform two different patterns of the Fitts Law task with the predefined difficulty: lower limbs/whole body and upper limbs/hands on an interactive whiteboard. The intervention period lasts approximately 10 minutes, during which participants perform the Fitts law task with different difficulty according to the intervention group to which they belong.

During the upper limb/hand tasks, brain activity will be recorded with electroencephalography (EEG).