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Cerebellar encoding of limb position

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Abstract

In this paper, we review single and multijoint studies that, over the years, have provided insight on the cerebellar encoding of limb spatial position. In particular, we present support to the idea that the cerebellum integrates signals from multiple sources to encode global limb parameters. Then, we highlight the result of recent studies that analyzed quantitatively the relationships between limb endpoint position and cerebellar activity. These findings suggest that the cerebellum may share with other central sensorymotor structures an anisotropic representation of limb position characterized by a strong bias along the anteroposterior axis. Finally, we speculate that this anisotropy may also subtend an internal representation of limb mechanics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy

    Antonino Casabona Phd, Maria Stella Valle & Vincenzo Perciavalle

  2. Human Physiology Section, Scientific Institute Santa Lucia, Rome

    Gianfranco Bosco

  3. Department of Neuroscience, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Gianfranco Bosco

Authors
  1. Antonino Casabona Phd
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  2. Maria Stella Valle
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  3. Gianfranco Bosco
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  4. Vincenzo Perciavalle
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Correspondence to Antonino Casabona Phd.

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Casabona, A., Valle, M.S., Bosco, G. et al. Cerebellar encoding of limb position. Cerebellum 3, 172–177 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1080/14734220410016735

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