Contributions of executive functions to complex motor task execution

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Complex motor behaviors often require more than the activation of basic motor circuits; they depend critically on higher-order cognitive processes known as executive functions. These functions—including working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and planning—support the adaptive regulation of movement, particularly when tasks involve navigating uncertainty, novel demands, or competing goals. While research in motor neuroscience has focused extensively on the biomechanics and neural substrates of movement, there remains a significant need to elucidate how executive processes shape and enable the execution of complex and flexible motor actions.

This Research Topic aims to explore the diverse ways in which executive functions contribute to motor performance in both typical and atypical populations. The scope encompasses experimental and theoretical work ranging from studies in healthy children, adults, and older adults to investigations in clinical groups where executive dysfunction may compromise motor coordination and adaptability. We invite contributions from neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, computational modeling, and clinical neuroscience.

We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following areas:

1. Neural mechanisms supporting the interaction between executive functions and complex motor control, informed by neuroimaging, electrophysiological, or neurostimulation studies

2. The influence of working memory, attention, and inhibitory control on planning, initiating, and modifying movement sequences

3. The role of executive functions in multitasking and dual-task scenarios involving motor output

4. Effects of aging or neurological conditions on the integration and effectiveness of executive functions in complex motor tasks

5. Computational models advancing our understanding of executive-motor interactions

6. Intervention studies, rehabilitation strategies, or training programs aimed at enhancing motor performance via targeted executive function improvement

7. Clinical studies investigating how executive dysfunction impacts motor performance in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as the effectiveness of interventions targeting these deficits

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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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
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• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
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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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: motor circuits, motor behavior, executive functions

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.