Visual working memory for action: Evidence for using motor representations in encoding visuo-spatial stimulus sequences

Introduction: The neurobiological substrates of action-oriented visual working memory are not well understood. Aim: To elucidate the neural correlates of translating visuo-spatial stimulus sequences into delayed (memory-guided) sequential actions. Specifically, we aimed to clarify whether motor representations are already involved in encoding visual sequences to be reproduced subsequently. Methods: Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we measured brain activity in 36 healthy adults while they encoded sequences of 4 – 7 dots appearing on fingers of a left or right schematic hand. After delays of either 50…