Parietal and temporal neural mechanisms with a multimodal exergame

Using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) we studied how playing a dance video game employs coordinated activation of sensory-motor integration centers of the superior parietal lobe (SPL) and superior temporal gyrus (STG). Subjects played a dance video game, while changes in oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels were measured. The game was modified to compare difficult, simple and stepping conditions. Oxy-Hb levels were greatest with increased task difficulty. The quick-onset, trapezoidal time-course increase in SPL oxy-Hb levels reflected the on-off neuronal response of spatial orienting and rhythmic motor timing that were required during the activity. Slow-onset, bell-shaped increases in oxy-Hb levels observed in STG suggested the gradually increasing load of directing multisensory information to downstream processing centers associated with motor control. Differences in temporal relationships of SPL and STG oxy-Hb levels may reflect the functional roles of these brain structures. NIRS permits insights into temporal relationships of cortical hemodynamics during real motor tasks.