Objective
When interacting with objects the brain needs to locate the limbs and the relevant visual information surrounding them. Studies on monkeys showed that information from different sensory modalities converges at the individual neurone level within a multisensory fronto-parietal network. This multisensory integration occurs within the space surrounding the body (peripersonal space) and has been linked to the sensory guidance of reaching and defensive movements, and localisation the limbs in space. In humans, only indirect behavioural evidence exists of a similar representation, and virtually nothing is known about the neuronal mechanisms of multisensory integration in peripersonal space.
This project will provide the first direct evidence for the existence of an integrative visuo-tactile (VT) mechanism in the human brain by identifying the areas which implement it in hand-centred coordinates. We will use an innovative multimodal strategy involving complementary behavioural, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial stimulation (TMS) approaches. We mean to employ cross-modal fMRI-adaptation to identify neuronal responses reflecting the multisensory integrative mechanisms of the VT peri-hand space representation. This method allows us to circumvent the limits of traditional fMRI analysis and go beyond the voxel-level resolution. We will investigate the plasticity of the VT peri-hand space during tool use and when prosthetic limbs are experienced as one’s own body part. Finally, TMS will reveal the link between the plasticity of the multisensory space representation and the motor system.
This project has important clinical and industrial applications. Understanding the rapid plasticity of the multisensory peripersonal space will help to develop new rehabilitative strategies for amputees using advanced prosthetic limb devices. Our work will be important for optimising the control of virtual and robotic tools during fine manipulation (i.e. tele-surgery).
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
171 77 STOCKHOLM
Sweden
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.