According to theories of Embodied Cognition, memory for words is related to sensorimotor experiences collected during learning. At a neural level, words encoded with self-performed gestures are represented in distributed sensorimotor networks that resonate during word recognition. Here, we ask whether muscles involved in gesture execution also resonate during word recognition. Native German speakers encoded words by reading them (baseline condition) or by reading them in tandem with picture observation, gesture observation, or gesture observation and execution. Surface electromyogram (EMG) activity from both arms was recorded during the word recognition task and responses were detected using eye-tracking. The recognition of words encoded with self-performed gestures coincided with an increase in arm muscle EMG activity compared to the recognition of words learned under other conditions. This finding suggests that sensorimotor networks resonate into the periphery and provides new evidence for a strongly embodied view of recognition memory.

Repetto, C., Mathias, B., Weichselbaum, O., Macedonia, M., Visual recognition of words learned with gestures induces motor resonance in the forearm muscles, <<SCIENTIFIC REPORTS>>, 2021; 11 (1): N/A-N/A. [doi:10.1038/s41598-021-96792-9] [http://hdl.handle.net/10807/183202]

Visual recognition of words learned with gestures induces motor resonance in the forearm muscles

Repetto, Claudia
Primo
;
2021

Abstract

According to theories of Embodied Cognition, memory for words is related to sensorimotor experiences collected during learning. At a neural level, words encoded with self-performed gestures are represented in distributed sensorimotor networks that resonate during word recognition. Here, we ask whether muscles involved in gesture execution also resonate during word recognition. Native German speakers encoded words by reading them (baseline condition) or by reading them in tandem with picture observation, gesture observation, or gesture observation and execution. Surface electromyogram (EMG) activity from both arms was recorded during the word recognition task and responses were detected using eye-tracking. The recognition of words encoded with self-performed gestures coincided with an increase in arm muscle EMG activity compared to the recognition of words learned under other conditions. This finding suggests that sensorimotor networks resonate into the periphery and provides new evidence for a strongly embodied view of recognition memory.
2021
Inglese
Repetto, C., Mathias, B., Weichselbaum, O., Macedonia, M., Visual recognition of words learned with gestures induces motor resonance in the forearm muscles, <<SCIENTIFIC REPORTS>>, 2021; 11 (1): N/A-N/A. [doi:10.1038/s41598-021-96792-9] [http://hdl.handle.net/10807/183202]
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
60. Repetto et al_2021_scirep_Visual recognition of words induces motor resonance.pdf

accesso aperto

Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 1.44 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.44 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10807/183202
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 3
  • Scopus 7
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 5
social impact