Data from: Early modulation of intra-cortical inhibition during the observation of action mistakes

Errors while performing an action are fundamental for learning. During
interaction others’ errors must be monitored and taken into account to
allow joint action coordination and imitation learning. This monitoring
relies on an action observation network (AON) mainly based on
parietofrontal recurrent circuits. Although different studies suggest that
inappropriate actions may rapidly be inhibited during execution, little is
known about the modulation of the AON when an action misstep is shown.
Here we used single and paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to
assess corticospinal excitability, intracortical facilitation and
intracortical inhibition at different time intervals (120, 180, 240 ms)
after the visual presentation of a motor execution error. Results show a
specific and early (120 ms) decrease of intracortical inhibition likely
because of a significant mismatch between the observed erroneous action
and observer’s expectations. Indeed, as proposed by the top-down
predictive framework, the motor system may be involved in the generation
of these error signals and our data show that this mechanism could rely on
the early decrease of intracortical inhibition within the corticomotor
system.