Interconnected brain pathways representing the integration of animal and human neuroscience research.

Unlock Your Brain's Potential: What Animal Studies Reveal About Movement and Cognitive Function

Lena Voss in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Groundbreaking research in animal neuroscience offers valuable insights into how movement influences brain activity and cognitive processes, paving the way for advancements in human neurological studies."

Animals, unlike their human counterparts in research settings, operate with an inherent freedom of movement that significantly shapes their cognitive processes. This intrinsic behavior, driven by needs like finding sustenance or evading danger, offers a unique window into understanding the complexities of the brain. While humans can articulate intricate thoughts through language, animals rely on physical actions to communicate and interact with their surroundings, making the study of movement crucial to unveiling their cognitive capabilities.

This necessity has spurred animal neuroscientists to develop innovative methods for observing brain activity during movement. By examining how animals' brains function as they navigate, explore, and respond to their environments, scientists are gaining insights that are often impossible to replicate in stationary human studies. These advancements not only deepen our understanding of animal cognition but also provide a foundation for exploring the neural mechanisms underlying human movement and related cognitive functions.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating intersection of animal neuroscience and human cognitive research, highlighting how studies of freely moving animals are enhancing our knowledge of brain function. From the technical challenges of recording neural activity during motion to the groundbreaking discoveries about spatial navigation and active sensing, we will delve into the potential of animal research to unlock new frontiers in understanding the 'moving brain.'

Decoding the Moving Brain: How Animal Studies are Revolutionizing Neuroscience

Interconnected brain pathways representing the integration of animal and human neuroscience research.

The study of freely moving animals has revolutionized neuroscience, offering a unique perspective on how movement influences brain activity and cognitive functions. Unlike human studies, where participants are often restrained or asked to perform tasks in controlled settings, animal research allows scientists to observe the brain in its natural state, responding to real-world stimuli and engaging in complex behaviors.

Researchers have developed a variety of innovative techniques to record neural activity in moving animals, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. These methods can be broadly categorized into two main approaches:

Electrophysiology: Directly measures the electrical activity of neurons using microelectrodes, electroencephalography (EEG), or electrocorticography (ECOG). This technique provides high temporal resolution, allowing researchers to capture the rapid changes in brain activity that occur during movement.
Brain Imaging: Indirectly measures neuronal activity by imaging the metabolic activity of neurons, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and calcium imaging. This approach offers high spatial resolution, allowing researchers to pinpoint the specific brain regions involved in movement-related cognitive processes.

These advancements have enabled researchers to investigate a wide range of questions about the 'moving brain,' from the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation to the role of movement in sensory perception and motor planning. By studying how animals navigate their environments, make decisions, and interact with their surroundings, scientists are gaining insights that are directly applicable to human neuroscience.

The Future of Brain Research: Embracing Movement

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for studying the 'moving brain' are virtually limitless. Portable EEG, ECoG, and PET devices for humans are becoming more sophisticated, allowing researchers to investigate brain activity during real-world activities. These advancements, combined with the insights gained from animal research, promise to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and pave the way for new treatments for neurological conditions. The future of brain research lies in embracing movement and exploring the intricate connections between our bodies and our minds.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

How do animal studies help us understand the 'moving brain' differently than human studies?

Animal studies offer a unique perspective because animals move freely, driven by natural needs. This inherent freedom allows researchers to observe the brain responding to real-world stimuli and engaging in complex behaviors. In contrast, human studies often involve controlled settings or restraints. By observing animals' brains in action, scientists gain insights into spatial navigation, sensory perception, and motor planning in a way that is difficult to replicate in stationary human studies. This approach enhances our understanding of the 'moving brain' and its cognitive functions.

What are the main techniques used to study brain activity in moving animals, and what are their strengths?

Two primary methods are employed: Electrophysiology and Brain Imaging. Electrophysiology, using microelectrodes, EEG, or ECoG, directly measures the electrical activity of neurons, providing high temporal resolution to capture rapid brain changes during movement. Brain Imaging, including fMRI, PET, and calcium imaging, indirectly measures neuronal metabolic activity, offering high spatial resolution to pinpoint specific brain regions involved in movement-related cognitive processes. Each technique has its own set of advantages, allowing researchers to address different aspects of the 'moving brain'.

How does the study of freely moving animals relate to potential advancements in human neurological research?

The insights gained from studying freely moving animals provide a foundation for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying human movement and related cognitive functions. These studies offer valuable insights that could transform human research and lead to innovative treatments for neurological conditions. Advances in animal research directly contribute to the development of more sophisticated portable EEG, ECoG, and PET devices for humans, allowing researchers to investigate brain activity during real-world activities, which is crucial for neurological studies.

Why is understanding the intersection of movement and cognitive function important?

Understanding the connection between movement and cognitive function is crucial because it unlocks the secrets of the 'moving brain.' By studying how movement influences brain activity, we can gain a deeper understanding of cognitive processes. It leads to discoveries about spatial navigation, sensory perception, and motor planning. This understanding is not only vital for animal cognition but also offers insights that directly apply to human neuroscience and potential treatments for neurological conditions. The study of freely moving animals revolutionizes neuroscience.

What are the future prospects for brain research, according to the article?

The future of brain research is promising, particularly in the study of the 'moving brain.' Advancements in technology, such as more sophisticated portable EEG, ECoG, and PET devices, will allow researchers to investigate brain activity during real-world activities in humans. These technological advancements, along with the insights gained from animal research, promise to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and pave the way for new treatments for neurological conditions. The key lies in embracing movement and exploring the intricate connections between our bodies and our minds, as learned from animal studies.