I.G. Meistera,*, T. Kringsb, H. Foltysa, B. Boroojerdia, M. Mu¨ llera, R. To¨ppera, A. Thronb

Cognitive Brain Research 19 (2004) 219– 228

Introduction:Read notes & play piano = very complex

motor taskNotereading:

Visual spatial domain program with infoMusical syntax MUSIC!

Introduction:Rehearse skills with

practiceMENTAL IMAGERY

PerformanceMOTOR IMAGERY:

mental stimulation of action in *Visuomotor system

Motor Imagery & Motor ActionSimilar timingInvolve same muscles in corticospinal

excitabilityProven in fMRI studies (Fadiga, 1999)

Experimental Task:Aim: Investigate cortical network during

performance & imagery of music12 music academy students Use an electronic keyboard that produced

no soundsPlay the right hand part of a Bartok pieceBefore fMRI, subject practiced until

familiar

Performance: Imagery:Subjects played

the presented music with their RH on the keyboard

Instructed to read the notes & imagine themselves playing the presented music

Not moving their hands

Watched by videocamera

After fMRI-sessionCompleted a questionnaire about their

sensations during the conditionsRated the difficulty of the piano pieceFilled out the “Vividness of Mental Imagery

Questionnaire”

Results:Both: bilateral

frontoparietal network, precuneus, medial of BA 40

Performance: contralateral PMC, posterior parietal cortex bilaterally

Imagery: bilaterally extrastriate cortex

Discussion:Comparing pixels, imagery= smallerThe differences in accordance with prior studiesSMA & PMC activated predominantly in left

hemisphereReflects the roles: motor execution

Posterior parietal cortex visuomotor transformation

Precuneus working memory processesCerebellum crucial for motor imagery;

motor/rhythm timing & coordinationmany more structures

Conclusion:Performance & imagery: FRONTOPARIETAL NETWORK:

motor imagery & visuomotor associationOCCIPITAL NETWORK:

notereadingGreater fMRI activation in performance

At posterior parietal areas & Primary sensorimotor cortices

Reflects higher level of visuomotor integrationWhole activated network- rhythms, pitch

discrimination

Strengths:Very precise & controlledStudied a lot of different networks in the

brain

Limitations:None?

My Opinions:Very interesting paper since I’m also a pianist

Would there be a difference in RH- Dominant players and LH- Dominant players?

What about those gifted children?6 yrs old who can play &compose like Mozart?http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=vUx4t4W4eVY

Professional vs Beginner

VSVS