Neurobiological mechanisms underlying coordinated actions in joint action

Abstract

Background

The coordination of actions in joint action significantly impacts various aspects of daily life. Previous research, utilizing parameters derived from behavioral dynamics, revealed that an individual’s jumping behavior is influenced by the proximity of their partner’s jump, implying a potential role of action simulation in interpersonal coordinated actions. This study employs functional near-infrared brain imaging technology to directly investigate the neural mechanisms associated with coordinated actions in joint action.

Method

Using a modified joint jumping task, participants were instructed to jump varying distances without observing their partner’s actions, aiming to achieve a collaborative goal of landing simultaneously. Concurrently collecting behavioral parameters related to jumping, we synchronized the acquisition of cerebral hemodynamic data.

Result

At the neural activity level, within the motor-related cortex, regardless of whether one jumped closer or farther, this region exhibited higher concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin compared to the condition with both participants jumping the same distance. In the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, only when one needed to jump closer did a higher concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin emerge.

Conclusion

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, associated with action coordination strategies, and the motor-related cortex may be directly linked to action simulation.