Exploring the link between emotional states and motor control dynamics

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Emotions not only govern psychological states but also play a crucial role in influencing motor behaviors like gestures, expressions, and larger motor functions such as gait and posture. Conversely, these motor activities have an impact on emotional conditions, establishing a complex, bidirectional relationship. In spite of burgeoning interest, the interplay between emotional states and the motor system remains inadequately comprehended, with scattered insights from neuroscience, psychology, and clinical fields. Recent advances in methodologies such as real-time physiological monitoring, neuroimaging, wearable technology, and computational modeling shed light on how emotional shifts can alter motor system activities, showcasing potential for scientific advancements and applications in clinical fields, human–machine interfaces, sports, and workplace safety. However, there remains a need for a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and an integration of fragmented research findings.

This Research Topic aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the connections between emotional states and motor control dynamics. By assembling a collection of high-impact research, it aims to advance current knowledge, inspire future research directions, and drive translation into practical applications. Specific objectives include investigating how distinct emotions influence motor planning and performance, elucidating neural mechanisms, and utilizing computational models to explain emotion-motor integration. The exploration extends to real-world applications such as wearable technology and new therapies that consider these dynamics.

To gather further insights into the multifaceted interaction between emotional states and motor control, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Experimental studies on how emotions affect motor planning and adaptation

2. Experimental studies on how motor activity affects emotional states

3. Neurophysiological explorations of emotion-motor neural circuits

4. Development of theoretical models for emotion-motor integration

5. Innovations in technology for assessing emotional impact on motor activity

6. Clinical research on emotion-motor interactions in various conditions

7. Interventions using emotional influences to enhance motor function

8. Developmental studies on emotion-motor link evolution

9. Societal implications in sports, education, ergonomics, and human-robot interfaces

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
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• 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
• 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: emotion, motor control, motor functions, gestures, gait

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.