Neural underpinnings of fine motor skills under stress and anxiety: A review.

Lucas Athaydes Martins, Aniuska Schiavo, Lisiê Valéria Paz, Léder Leal Xavier, Régis Gemerasca Mestriner

Physiology & behavior 2024 Aug 01

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This review offers a comprehensive examination of how stress and anxiety affect motor behavior, particularly focusing on fine motor skills and gait adaptability. We explore the role of several neurochemicals, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine, in modulating neural plasticity and motor control under these affective states. The review highlights the importance of developing therapeutic strategies that enhance motor performance by leveraging the interactions between key neurochemicals. Additionally, we investigate the complex interplay between emotional-cognitive states and sensorimotor behaviors, showing how stress and anxiety disrupt neural integration, leading to impairments in skilled movements and negatively impacting quality of life. Synthesizing evidence from human and rodent studies, we provide a detailed understanding of the relationships among stress, anxiety, and motor behavior. Our findings reveal neurophysiological pathways, behavioral outcomes, and potential therapeutic targets, emphasizing the intricate connections between neurobiological mechanisms, environmental factors, and motor performance. Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Citation

Lucas Athaydes Martins, Aniuska Schiavo, Lisiê Valéria Paz, Léder Leal Xavier, Régis Gemerasca Mestriner. Neural underpinnings of fine motor skills under stress and anxiety: A review. Physiology & behavior. 2024 Aug 01;282:114593