title: Thinking, Walking, Talking: Integratory Motor and Cognitive Brain Function.
abstract: In this article, we argue that motor and cognitive processes are functionally related and most likely share a similar evolutionary history. This is supported by clinical and neural data showing that some brain regions integrate both motor and cognitive functions. In addition, we also argue that cognitive processes coincide with complex motor output. Further, we also review data that support the converse notion that motor processes can contribute to cognitive function, as found by many rehabilitation and aerobic exercise training programs. Support is provided for motor and cognitive processes possessing dynamic bidirectional influences on each other.
authors.affiliation: The National Institute for Brain and Rehabilitation Sciences, Nazareth, Israel; Facultad Manuel Fajardo, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana, Havana, Cuba.
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leisman
authors.affiliation: School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Marcs Institute for Brain and Behaviour, University of Western Sydney , Sydney, NSW , Australia.
authors.forename: Ahmed A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Moustafa
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa , Haifa , Israel.
authors.forename: Tal
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shafir
keywords: basal ganglia; cerebellum; cognitive processes; cognitive–motor interaction; executive function; motor processes; prefrontal cortex; premotor cortex