Work

Mu and beta power effects of fast response trait double dissociate during precue and movement execution in the sensorimotor cortex

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A better understanding of the neural and muscular mechanisms underlying motor responses is essential for advancing neurorehabilitation protocols, brain-computer interfaces (BCI), feature engineering for biosignal classification algorithms, and identifying biomarkers of disease and performance enhancement strategies. In this study, we examined the neuromuscular dynamics of healthy individuals during a sequential finger-pinching task, focusing on the relationships between cortical oscillations and muscle activity in simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) recordings. We contrasted two pairs of subsets of the dataset based on the latency of EMG onset: an across-subjects trait-based comparison and a within-subjects state-based comparison. Trait-based analyses showed that fast responders had higher baseline beta power, indicating stronger motor inhibition and efficient resetting of motor networks, and greater mu desynchronization during movement, reflecting enhanced motor cortex activation. Visual association areas also displayed more pronounced changes in different phases of the task in subjects with lower latency. Fast responders exhibited lower baseline EMG activity and stronger EMG power during movement initiation, showing effective motor inhibition and rapid muscle activation. State-based analyses revealed no significant EEG differences between fast and slow trials, while EMG differences were only detected after movement onset. These results highlight that fast response trait is related to electrophysiological differences at specific frequency bands and task phases, offering insights for enhancing motor function in rehabilitation, biomarker identification and BCI applications. • We analyzed simultaneous EEG and EMG recordings during a sequential finger movement task. • We identified neural correlates of response latency trait, but not state. • Fast responders show higher baseline beta power, indicating stronger motor inhibition. • Lower latency trait was linked to a sharper postcue sensorimotor mu power decrease. • Fast responders have lower pre-movement EMG and higher EMG onset power.

Source: Computers in Biology and Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.110874

Authors: Sara Kamali, Fabiano Baroni, Pablo Varona

Institution: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Language: English

Topic: Muscle activation and electromyography studies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,080