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June 20, 2026Brain Behavior and Evolution

“Mind Over Muscle”: Neural and Biomechanical Signatures of Expertise in Early Stone Tool Use

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Authors

BEBrienna EtesonSASimona AffinitoFKFotios Alexandros Karakostis

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Overview

Randomized trial examines neural and muscular dynamics of tool use expertise in hominins, suggesting know-how enhances efficiency.

Key Points

  • This study aims to explore the interplay between neural and muscular systems during early stone tool use.
  • Participants: Experts, Intermediates, and Novices tested in hammerstone nut-cracking and Oldowan-style flake cutting.
  • Simultaneous electroencephalographic and electromyographic recordings were used to analyze brain and muscle activity.
  • Focused on left-frontal, premotor/motor, and left-parietal cortices for neural patterns and muscular activation.
  • Experts showed distinct beta-band neural activity during flake cutting, with reduced muscular activation.
  • In nut-cracking, Experts had less muscular effort and slightly more premotor/motor involvement.
  • Novices relied more on muscular effort and demonstrated greater left-lateralized parietal region engagement.

Cite This Study

Eteson et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a363274db0793dc1a539172https://doi.org/10.1159/000553164
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Also Consider

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