The Neurophysiological Correlates of Real and Imaginary Locomotion

Abstract

It is believed that real movements and those performed mentally (imaginary movements) are functionally similar. This hypothesis is based on the use of the imaginary movement approach for the investigation of the neurophysiological mechanisms of real movements of a person, as well as for rehabilitation and optimization of motor functions. A large body of evidence in favor of this hypothesis has been obtained for upper limb movements, whereas data on lower limb movements are quite scarce. The aim of this review is to generalize the published data that demonstrate the similarity of the mechanisms and brain structures involved in the organization of imaginary and real locomotion.