University of Freiburg study uncovers neural mechanisms of movement planning

Researchers from the interdisciplinary centre BrainLinks-BrainTools at the University of Freiburg investigated how neurons coordinate movement planning and execution. Using a rat model, they recorded activity in the premotor and primary motor cortex while the animals performed a lever‑press task. The team, comprising biologists, AI experts and neurotechnologists, proposes an improved model of the neural processes that transition a planned movement into muscle action. Their findings were published in the journal Cell Reports.

The authors say the work could eventually help develop treatments or assistive devices for people with mobility impairments, such as sensors that detect brain‑derived movement commands and relay them to smart prosthetic limbs. "Thanks to this basic research, we now have a better understanding of the neural processes in the brain for controlling movements," said Prof. Dr. Ilka Diester, spokesperson for BrainLinks-BrainTools.