Processing abstract language modulates motor system activity.

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  • Author(s): Glenberg AM;Glenberg AM; Sato M; Cattaneo L; Riggio L; Palumbo D; Buccino G
  • Source:
    Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006) [Q J Exp Psychol (Hove)] 2008 Jun; Vol. 61 (6), pp. 905-19.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Sage in association with Experimental Psychology Society Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101259775 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1747-0226 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17470218 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: 2018- : London : Sage in association with Experimental Psychology Society
      Original Publication: London : Informa Healthcare
    • Subject Terms:
      Reading* ; Semantics* ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*; Comprehension/*physiology ; Motor Neurons/*physiology ; Orientation/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Pyramidal Tracts/*physiology ; Reaction Time/*physiology; Concept Formation/physiology ; Cues ; Hand/innervation ; Humans ; Imagination/physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal/innervation ; Neurons/physiology
    • Abstract:
      Embodiment theory proposes that neural systems for perception and action are also engaged during language comprehension. Previous neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies have only been able to demonstrate modulation of action systems during comprehension of concrete language. We provide neurophysiological evidence for modulation of motor system activity during the comprehension of both concrete and abstract language. In Experiment 1, when the described direction of object transfer or information transfer (e.g., away from the reader to another) matched the literal direction of a hand movement used to make a response, speed of responding was faster than when the two directions mismatched (an action-sentence compatibility effect). In Experiment 2, we used single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to study changes in the corticospinal motor pathways to hand muscles while reading the same sentences. Relative to sentences that do not describe transfer, there is greater modulation of activity in the hand muscles when reading sentences describing transfer of both concrete objects and abstract information. These findings are discussed in relation to the human mirror neuron system.
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20080513 Date Completed: 20081017 Latest Revision: 20111019
    • Publication Date:
      20240829
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/17470210701625550
    • Accession Number:
      18470821