The Key to Dancing
Researchers have identified the region in the intraparietal sulcus, where a coordination center is located that helps synchronize movements with those of a partner. The study involved asking volunteers to imitate or coordinate with a virtual partner’s movements in the process of grabbing a bottle-like object. The results showed that the inhibition of the anterior intraparietal sulcus reduces the ability to coordinate with a partner during complementary actions. However, inhibition of this area did not reduce the ability to imitate one’s partner, suggesting that complementary actions require the use of different cognitive resources than imitation.
The researchers now plan to deepen their studies in this area, saying their work could help to understand more complex human interactions.