Changes in cerebral oxygenation during asymmetric motion of the fingers

Abstract

In the cerebral cortex, the prefrontal area has many key human functions; in a word, it’s important for ideas and emotions. In addition, the prefrontal area takes part in working memory and linguistics. Activating the function of prefrontal area is important to prevent dementia. On the other hand, it is thought that finger motions activate the function of human brain. It is thought that asymmetric motion, which is used in rhythmics, frequently has a good effect on human brain. In addition, it is thought that asymmetric motion prevents dementia. So it is important to examine the influence of asymmetric motion on the prefrontal area.

In this study, we investigated how the changes in cerebral oxygenation are influenced by symmetric motion and asymmetric motion of the fingers. We investigated changes in cerebral oxygenation during both motions with Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus in the prefrontal area are more active with asymmetric motion than by symmetric motion with a significant difference. So asymmetric motion of the fingers can accelerate activity of middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus. These areas take part in working memory and linguistics. These area are activated with working memory exercises and copying motions. In addition, these areas are activated with hard exercise.

In this study, asymmetric motion of fingers with minimal energy consumption activated these areas. Symmetric motion did not activate theses areas, so it is suggested that a simple asymmetric motion can activate the middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus. Our next study will be to test the theory that asymmetric motion can accelerate working memory and can prevent dementia.