title: Role of the mirror-neuron system in cross-education.
abstract: The present review proposes the untested hypothesis that cross-education performed with a mirror increases the transfer of motor function to the resting limb compared with standard cross-education interventions without a mirror. The hypothesis is based on neuroanatomical evidence suggesting an overlap in activated brain areas when a unilateral motor task is performed with and without a mirror in the context of cross-education of the upper extremities. The review shows that the mirror-neuron system (MNS), connecting sensory neurons responding to visual properties of an observed action and motor neurons that discharge action potentials during the execution of a similar action, has the potential to enhance cross-education.
authors.forename: Tjerk
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zult
authors.forename: Glyn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Howatson
authors.forename: Endre E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Kádár
authors.forename: Jonathan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Farthing
authors.forename: Tibor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hortobágyi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D059167:Mirror Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult