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Abstract #1180

Functional Imaging of Observation of Action in Elite Archers Using Video of Western-Style Archery Task

Hui-jin Song1, Joo-hyun Kim1, Jeehye Seo1, Moon-jung Hwang2, Young-ju Lee2, Kyung Jin Suh3, Sung Woo Kim3, Young Hwan Lee4, Dong Soo Yoo5, Yongmin Chang1,6

1Medical & Biological Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea, Republic of; 2GE healthcare, Seoul; 3Dongguk University, Gyungju; 4Radiology, College of Medicine, Catholic University, Daegu; 5Radiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Chunan; 6Diagnostic Radiology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea, Republic of


Although the mirror neuron system has been extensively studied, no functional imaging data are currently available to gain insight in the possible difference of the mirror system between experts and novices. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the differences of activation in the mirror neuron system during viewing tool use familiar to experts between expert archers and novice subjects. Our results demonstrated that expert archers showed strong activation in the mirror neuron system during viewing videos of Western-style archery relative to inexpert control subjects. Taken together, our data consistent with previous reports suggest that human mirror neuron system could contain representations of tool use and expand motor repertoire with tool use experiences.

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