Exploring the neurophysiological basis of rhythm and synchronization in motor activities is needed to further neuroscience knowledge and principles underlying rehabilitation and therapeutic approaches. Further, to engender a comprehensive understanding of complex behaviors, e.g., gait, movements that create dance and the motor production of music, carefully planned studies must be conducted. Avenues for clinical applications, include rehabilitation strategies for neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Current research has begun to reveal a window into how the brain and spinal cord orchestrate rhythmic movements and synchronize actions.

This Research Topic aims to establish a platform to investigate mechanisms by which the central nervous system generates, synchronizes, and modulates rhythmic movements, in various environmental contexts that require adaptation and exploration through human motor behavior. Revealing parameters related to timing and spatial constructs will be a key goal.

Key themes include:

Neural circuitry of rhythm generation;

Sensorimotor integration: Investigations into how sensory feedback, including visual, auditory, tactile and proprioceptive inputs, modulate rhythmic tasks;

Studies on higher-order processes influencing synchronization, including attention, cognitive processes and collaborative actions in ensembles or sports;

Development, learning, and plasticity of rhythm, timing, and implementing movements;

Analyses of motor synchronization deficits and therapeutic interventions in conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, autism, stroke, multiple sclerosis and others;

Technological and applied perspectives: Use of robotics, artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, and wearable tech in augmenting or restoring motor synchronization.

Exploration of ideal human and animal models for understanding internal timing deficits related to rhythmic output.

Through this Research Topic, we aim to gather diverse perspectives to fuel cross-disciplinary dialogue and advance our understanding of rhythm and synchronization in motor activities. We expect to promote translational advances in motor control research and applications.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Neurophysiological basis of rhythm and synchronization in motor activities