Imagine dancing with a partner. Your mind takes the lead, guiding your movements as you gracefully twirl toward or elegantly step away. In a similar way, our mental representation processes control our actions toward (TB) or away from (AB) our body. To understand this phenomenon, researchers conducted a study involving healthy participants performing various tasks with tools like toothbrushes and pencils. They found that the planning phase was quicker for AB actions, while the reaching phase took longer compared to TB actions. Interestingly, the mental rotation of body-related stimuli influenced TB pantomimes during both planning and reaching, while AB pantomimes were more linked to the mental rotation of object-related stimuli during tool use. These results suggest that the direction of a goal-directed action impacts each phase’s dynamics and determines the type of mental images involved. To delve deeper into this fascinating interplay between mind and movement, check out the full article!
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of mental representation processes during the planning, reaching, and use phases of actions with tools commonly used toward the body (TB, e.g., toothbrush) or away from the body (AB, e.g., pencil). In the first session, healthy participants were asked to perform TB (i.e., making circular movements with the toothbrush near the mouth) and AB (i.e., making circular movements with the pencil near the desk) actions both with (i.e., actual use) and without the tool in hand (i.e., the pantomime of tool use). In the second session, the same participants performed a series of mental rotation tasks involving body- (i.e., face and hands) and object-related (i.e., abstract lines) stimuli. The temporal and kinematic analysis of the motor actions showed that the time required to start the pantomimes (i.e., the planning phase) was shorter for the AB action than for the TB action. In contrast, the reaching phase lasted longer for the AB action than for the TB action. Furthermore, the TB pantomime was associated with the performance in the mental rotation of body-related stimuli, especially during the planning and reaching phases, whereas the AB pantomime was more related to the performance in the mental rotation of object-related stimuli, especially during the tool use phase. Thus, the results revealed that the direction of a goal-directed motor action influences the dynamics of the different phases of the motor action and can determine the type of mental images involved in the planning and execution of the action.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.