Cortical and subcortical mechanisms underlying movement generation and inhibition: a view through the mirror neuron system

Alexander studies the mechanisms of movement generation and inhibition. His unique approach is to investigate brain activity during action observation when no movements are executed despite the presence of significant activity within the brain motor network. By answering the question of what the brain mechanism is which prevents us from moving while observing others, he hopes to offer novel insights into both the command signals that do characterise motor execution and the mechanisms for suppression of unwanted movements, a key feature of human behaviour.