Frontal and central oscillatory changes related to different aspects of the motor process: a study in go/no-go paradigms

Exp Brain Res. 2004 Nov;159(1):14-22. doi: 10.1007/s00221-004-1928-8. Epub 2004 Jul 29.

Abstract

We studied alpha and beta EEG oscillatory changes in healthy volunteers during two different auditory go/no-go paradigms, in order to investigate their relationship with different components of the motor process. In the first paradigm (S2-centered), the initial tone (S1) was constant (warning), and the second tone (S2) indicated the subject whether to move or not. In the second paradigm (S1-centered), S1 indicated whether to move or not, while S2 just indicated the timing of the movement. A medial frontal beta energy increase was found in all conditions after the stimulus that forces the subject to decide whether to move or not (S1 or S2 depending on the paradigm). In both go conditions, a central alpha and beta energy decrease began after the go decision, reaching minimum values during the movement; it was followed by a beta post-movement increase, limited to the central contralateral area. In the no-go conditions, a marked fronto-central beta synchronization appeared after the decision not to move. In conclusion, our study was able to dissociate the beta oscillatory changes related to movement preparation and execution (central decrease/increase) from those associated with decision-making (medial frontal increase) and motor inhibition (fronto-central increase).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alpha Rhythm / methods*
  • Alpha Rhythm / statistics & numerical data
  • Beta Rhythm / methods*
  • Beta Rhythm / statistics & numerical data
  • Biological Clocks / physiology*
  • Evoked Potentials, Motor / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reaction Time / physiology