Roles of the Declive, Folium, and Tuber Cerebellar Vermian Lobules in Sportspeople

Abstract

The cerebellum plays vital roles in balance control and motor learning, including in saccadic adaptation and coordination. It consists of the vermis and two hemispheres and is anatomically separated into ten lobules that are designated as I-X. Although neuroimaging and clinical studies suggest that functions are compartmentalised within the cerebellum, the function of each cerebellar lobule is not fully understood. Electrophysiological and lesion studies in animals as well as neuroimaging and lesion studies in humans have revealed that vermian lobules VI and VII (declive, folium, and tuber) are critical for controlling postural balance, saccadic eye movements, and coordination. In addition, recent structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have revealed that these lobules are larger in elite basketball and short-track speed skaters. Furthermore, in female short-track speed skaters, the volume of this region is significantly correlated with static balance. This article reviews the function of vermian lobules VI and VII, focusing on the control of balance, eye movements, and coordination including coordination between the eyes and hands and bimanual coordination.