Neural Mechanisms of Sensory-Motor Integration in Manual Tasks

The field of sensory-motor integration explores the intricate coordination between sensory inputs and motor outputs, particularly in the context of hand gestures and manual tasks. The human hand is a versatile tool capable of touching, feeling, grasping, and manipulating objects, which not only express our intentions but also enhance social interactions and reveal how we hold and use tools. Current research highlights the necessity of integrating multiple sensory systems, such as visual, proprioceptive, and motor signals, to guide hand movements effectively. Visual input, in particular, is crucial for directing hand movements toward visible targets, enhancing the accuracy of reaching tasks even when the hand is not visible. Despite significant advancements, gaps remain in understanding the specific neural networks and brain representations involved in these processes. Recent studies have focused on manual tasks as a means to understand the multitasking capabilities of the central nervous system (CNS) and to detect motor impairments, especially in the context of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the precise roles of various cerebral regions in these behaviors and cognitive processes are still under debate, necessitating further investigation.

This research topic aims to collect insights from leading researchers to elucidate how manual behavior emerges from the interplay between internal factors, such as proprioceptive and somatosensory input and selective visual attention, and external factors, like the mechanical properties of objects and task requirements. Additionally, the goal is to gather information on the brain areas uniquely involved in bimanual movements, distinguishing them from those required for unimanual movements, and understand the computational limitations involved.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of sensory-motor integration in manual tasks, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The role of visual feedback in guiding hand movements
• Proprioceptive and somatosensory contributions to manual dexterity
• Neural networks underlying bimanual coordination
• Differences in brain activity during unimanual versus bimanual tasks
• Computational models of sensory-motor integration
• Impact of neurodegenerative disorders on manual task performance
• Multitasking and the central nervous system's management of multiple command streams
• The influence of object properties on hand manipulation strategies
• Reference frame transformations
• Motor planning/motor intentions
• The role of sensory-motor integration to planning upper limb movements
• Visual reference frame transformations in single- and bi-manual coordination
• Dorsal and ventral visuomotor pathways

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: bimanual movements, tool use, motor representation, peripersonal space, self-defense space, Sensory-Motor Integration

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.