- The electrical recording of muscle activity (timing/ strength of contractions) which helps track change in muscle tension during the stages of sleep

Electromyography (EMG)

Motor Plan Library 

- Researchers have questioned whether the same type of  motor planning mechanisms are used in speech versus physical movement of the mouth (known as oromotor activity)
- Ultimately, they found both speech and oromotor activities use the same neural networks associated with a specific type of motor planning but both activities had different "dynamics" of motor planning (meaning different regions of the brain were involved at different "levels" when presented with a certain stimulus that activates either speech or oromotor movement)
- These findings support both the integrative and task-dependent model 

Motor Planning in Speech and Movement

- A series of commands targeted to the muscles, which occurs before a behavior has been initiated 
- Illustrates that everyday behavior is planned, although commands may change based upon the outside response to a behavior 
- Can be measured with electromyography 

Smith College

- When thinking about how a behavior is initiated, researchers have questioned whether it is reflexive (meaning it is caused by a chain of events without intentionality) or planned (which is defined by a motor plan)

Sequence of Initiating Behavior 

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Motor Plan

- A simple response to a certain stimulus that is not learned by the organism through experience

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