PURPOSE: To assess, using functional MRI and by comparing activated motor sensory areas, the independence ofbrain activation during single and alternative multiple hand tasks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were sixhealthy volunteers. Using at 1.5T Siemens system and single shot FID-EPI sequencing(T2* weighted image;TR/TE0.96msec/61msec, flip angle 90 degrees, matrix size 96X128, slice thickness/gap 5mm/0/8mm, FOV 200mm) and T1-weightedanatomic images, functional MRI was performed. The paradigm of motor tasks consisted of appositional fingermovements; the first involved the separate use of the right, left, and both hands, while an alternative taskinvolved the use of the right, left, and both hands in sequence. Using cross-correlation method(threshold:0.6) andfMRI analysis software (Stimulate 5.0), functional images were obtained. The activated area of brain cortex, thenumber of pixel, the aberage percentage change in signal intensity, and correlation of the time-signal intensitycurve in the activated motor area were analysed and compared between the two task groups. Statistical analysisinvolved the use of Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: It was seen on fMRI that durina both single andalternative motor tasks, the same areas were consistently activated; in four volunteers, most activation occurredin the contralateral primary motor area. Between the two task methods, the average change in the number ofactivated pixels was 12.3+/-5%, but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.1). Increased signalintensity in the alternative task group(7.48+/-1.22%) was more statistically significant than in the single taskgroup(5.77+/-0.9%)(p<.001). With regard to the time-intensity curve, there was significant correlation between thetwo groups(0.87+/-0.07). CONCLUSION: Brain activation did not differ according to whether the motor task wassingle or alternative. We therefore suggest that during multiple stimuli, the relevant functional areas andneuronal column are activated independently.