ADHD Cutting-Edge Discovery—Mind-Body Connection 04/19/2023

Apr 20

The paper "A somato-cognitive action network alternates with effector regions in motor cortex" published in the journal Nature Neuroscience in April 2023 is a significant breakthrough in the field of neuroscience, particularly with regard to the understanding of the motor cortex and its potential impact on the treatment of ADHD.

The study explores the organization of the motor cortex in the human brain, which is responsible for controlling voluntary movement. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and other techniques, the authors identified two distinct networks of activity within the motor cortex that are involved in different aspects of motor control.

The first network, which the authors refer to as the "effector network," is responsible for the execution of movements, and is characterized by activity in regions that correspond to specific body parts. The second network, which they call the "somato-cognitive action network (SCAN)," is involved in planning and decision-making related to movement, and is characterized by activity in regions that represent the meaning of actions rather than specific body parts.

The authors suggest that disruptions in the balance between these two networks may contribute to movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, but also to ADHD. They speculate that in ADHD, there may be an imbalance in the activity of these two networks, with a relatively stronger influence of the effector network, which may contribute to hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Importantly, the study provides evidence for how motor activities especially physical exercises can change the brains of ADHD through somato-cognitive action network (SCAN), then further, their thinking, planning, and other executive functioning.

Reference:

Gordon, E.M., Chauvin, R.J., Van, A.N. et al. A somato-cognitive action network alternates with effector regions in motor cortex. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05964-2