The cerebellum as a movement sensor

Abstract

In this article, we review a broad range of studies of cerebellar function and dysfunction and interpret them within the framework that the cerebellum acts as part of a mechanism of predictive control. We describe studies that span human behaviour and consider the motor and sensory impairments that result from cerebellar damage. We conclude that a parsimonious explanation of cerebellar function is as a predictor of the sensory outcomes of movement. However, future studies are needed to more rigorously test this hypothesis and determine how the cerebellar circuit might perform this type of computation.

Keywords: Ataxia; Cerebellum; Proprioception.