7T Spin-echo functional MRI reveals mirrored representations in the human motor cortex

Motivation: Human brains exhibit coordination abilities across a diverse range of motor activities. Goal(s): In our study, we employed an MR-compatible data glove to record hand motion behaviors during fMRI experiments and acquired fMRI data using both gradient echo (GE)-BOLD and SE-BOLD contrasts, aiming to compare their spatial specificity within the columnar structures in human motor cortex. Approach: Subject-specific motor behavioral data were compared with GE- and SE-BOLD signal. Results: Our finding indicates that mirrored finger representations in the primary motor cortex were evident with SE-BOLD contrast but not with GE-BOLD contrast. Impact: By facilitating real-time assessment of individual performance and utilizing motor behavioral data, this approach will improve the quality of fMRI data analysis and may support a diverse range of experimental paradigms.