Real world ambulatory boundary effect within MTL oscillation during movement in human brains

Abstract

Through daily life, complex tasks require the neural encoding of spatial location for oneself and others. Previous research studies in rodents have shown that rodents have neural representations of themselves in addition to other rodents. ( Ovchinnikov, 2010) However, there is still a need to understand how the human brain processes spatial location for itself and others. Furthermore, it is important to research which parts of human cognition can affect location encoding mechanisms. The current study uses existing data to determine the correlation between environmental boundaries and human brain activity. Using spatial observation and navigation tasks, the study investigated whether a physical boundary can affect neural encoding using implanted electrodes, representing the participants’ location and others’ location while in a closed environment. Results showed that representations were strengthened when the encoding of location had a greater behavioral significance and was contingent upon the momentary cognitive state of the individual.Together, these findings support the existence of a shared encoding mechanism within the human brain that signifies the whereabouts of both individuals in communal settings. Moreover, they illuminate novel insights into the neural processes that govern spatial navigation and the perception of others in practical situations.