1
|
Bailey KM, Sami S, Smith FW. Decoding familiar visual object categories in the mu rhythm oscillatory response. Neuropsychologia 2024; 199:108900. [PMID: 38697558 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Whilst previous research has linked attenuation of the mu rhythm to the observation of specific visual categories, and even to a potential role in action observation via a putative mirror neuron system, much of this work has not considered what specific type of information might be coded in this oscillatory response when triggered via vision. Here, we sought to determine whether the mu rhythm contains content-specific information about the identity of familiar (and also unfamiliar) graspable objects. In the present study, right-handed participants (N = 27) viewed images of both familiar (apple, wine glass) and unfamiliar (cubie, smoothie) graspable objects, whilst performing an orthogonal task at fixation. Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) revealed significant decoding of familiar, but not unfamiliar, visual object categories in the mu rhythm response. Thus, simply viewing familiar graspable objects may automatically trigger activation of associated tactile and/or motor properties in sensorimotor areas, reflected in the mu rhythm. In addition, we report significant attenuation in the central beta band for both familiar and unfamiliar visual objects, but not in the mu rhythm. Our findings highlight how analysing two different aspects of the oscillatory response - either attenuation or the representation of information content - provide complementary views on the role of the mu rhythm in response to viewing graspable object categories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saber Sami
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Díaz Rivera MN, Amoruso L, Bocanegra Y, Suárez JX, Moreno L, Muñoz E, Birba A, García AM. Electrophysiological alterations during action semantic processing in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 136:78-87. [PMID: 38330642 PMCID: PMC10942755 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Assessments of action semantics consistently reveal markers of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, neurophysiological signatures of the domain remain under-examined in this population, especially under conditions that allow patients to process stimuli without stringent time constraints. Here we assessed event-related potentials and time-frequency modulations in healthy individuals (HPs) and PD patients during a delayed-response semantic judgment task involving related and unrelated action-picture pairs. Both groups had shorter response times for related than for unrelated trials, but they exhibited discrepant electrophysiological patterns. HPs presented significantly greater N400 amplitudes as well as theta enhancement and mu desynchronization for unrelated relative to related trials. Conversely, N400 and theta modulations were abolished in the patients, who further exhibited a contralateralized cluster in the mu range. None of these patterns were associated with the participants' cognitive status. Our results suggest that PD involves multidimensional neurophysiological disruptions during action-concept processing, even under task conditions that elicit canonical behavioral effects. New constraints thus emerge for translational neurocognitive models of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariano N Díaz Rivera
- Centro de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Amoruso
- Centro de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL), Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Spain
| | - Yamile Bocanegra
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Neuropsicología y Conducta (GRUNECO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jazmin X Suárez
- Grupo Neuropsicología y Conducta (GRUNECO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Leonardo Moreno
- Sección de Neurología, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Edinson Muñoz
- Departamento de Lingüística y Literatura, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Agustina Birba
- Centro de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Adolfo M García
- Centro de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Lingüística y Literatura, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Siemann J, Kroeger A, Bender S, Muthuraman M, Siniatchkin M. Segregated Dynamical Networks for Biological Motion Perception in the Mu and Beta Range Underlie Social Deficits in Autism. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:408. [PMID: 38396447 PMCID: PMC10887711 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biological motion perception (BMP) correlating with a mirror neuron system (MNS) is attenuated in underage individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While BMP in typically-developing controls (TDCs) encompasses interconnected MNS structures, ASD data hint at segregated form and motion processing. This coincides with less fewer long-range connections in ASD than TDC. Using BMP and electroencephalography (EEG) in ASD, we characterized directionality and coherence (mu and beta frequencies). Deficient BMP may stem from desynchronization thereof in MNS and may predict social-communicative deficits in ASD. Clinical considerations thus profit from brain-behavior associations. METHODS Point-like walkers elicited BMP using 15 white dots (walker vs. scramble in 21 ASD (mean: 11.3 ± 2.3 years) vs. 23 TDC (mean: 11.9 ± 2.5 years). Dynamic Imaging of Coherent Sources (DICS) characterized the underlying EEG time-frequency causality through time-resolved Partial Directed Coherence (tPDC). Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification validated the group effects (ASD vs. TDC). RESULTS TDC showed MNS sources and long-distance paths (both feedback and bidirectional); ASD demonstrated distinct from and motion sources, predominantly local feedforward connectivity, and weaker coherence. Brain-behavior correlations point towards dysfunctional networks. SVM successfully classified ASD regarding EEG and performance. CONCLUSION ASD participants showed segregated local networks for BMP potentially underlying thwarted complex social interactions. Alternative explanations include selective attention and global-local processing deficits. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study applying source-based connectivity to reveal segregated BMP networks in ASD regarding structure, cognition, frequencies, and temporal dynamics that may explain socio-communicative aberrancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Siemann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bethel, Evangelical Hospital Bielefeld, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany;
| | - Anne Kroeger
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Goethe-University of Frankfurt am Main, 60389 Frankfurt, Germany (S.B.)
| | - Stephan Bender
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Goethe-University of Frankfurt am Main, 60389 Frankfurt, Germany (S.B.)
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Muthuraman Muthuraman
- Department of Neurology, Neural Engineering with Signal Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (NESA-AI), University Clinic Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Michael Siniatchkin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bethel, Evangelical Hospital Bielefeld, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany;
- University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Galang CM, Obhi SS. Empathic pain observation does not influence automatic imitation in an online setting. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:263-276. [PMID: 36494458 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06508-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that empathic pain observation can lead to motor facilitation in the form of faster reaction times. However, it is unclear whether participants are focusing on the others' pain or simply focusing on their own discomfort/distress (from watching the videos) during the task. This is an important issue as self- vs other-oriented focusing plays a key role in empathic processing. To address this issue, we combined empathic pain observation with the automatic imitation task (AIT). Previous work has shown that AIT effects are smaller after experiencing pain, which has been interpreted as the result of the experience of pain leading to a self-oriented focus. If empathic pain observation similarly leads to a self-oriented focus, then we should expect similar AIT results after pain observation (smaller AIT effects); however, if it instead leads to an other-oriented focus, then we should see the opposite (larger AIT effects). Although we found initial evidence for the latter hypothesis (Experiment 1), subsequent failed replications suggests that we do not have sufficient evidence to claim that pain observation influences automatic imitation one way or the other (Experiment 2 and 3). We discuss some possible reasons for finding null results in these experiments and suggest future avenues of research to better elucidate this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl Michael Galang
- Social Brain, Body and Action Lab, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. .,Social Intelligence Lab, Institute for Psychology and The Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sukhvinder S Obhi
- Social Brain, Body and Action Lab, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han C, Wang T, Wu Y, Li H, Wang E, Zhao X, Cao Q, Qian Q, Wang Y, Dou F, Liu JK, Sun L, Xing D. Compensatory mechanism of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder recovery in resting state alpha rhythms. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:883065. [PMID: 36157841 PMCID: PMC9490822 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.883065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha rhythms in the human electroencephalogram (EEG), oscillating at 8-13 Hz, are located in parieto-occipital cortex and are strongest when awake people close their eyes. It has been suggested that alpha rhythms were related to attention-related functions and mental disorders (e.g., Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)). However, many studies have shown inconsistent results on the difference in alpha oscillation between ADHD and control groups. Hence it is essential to verify this difference. In this study, a dataset of EEG recording (128 channel EGI) from 87 healthy controls (HC) and 162 ADHD (141 persisters and 21 remitters) adults in a resting state with their eyes closed was used to address this question and a three-gauss model (summation of baseline and alpha components) was conducted to fit the data. To our surprise, the power of alpha components was not a significant difference among the three groups. Instead, the baseline power of remission and HC group in the alpha band is significantly stronger than that of persister groups. Our results suggest that ADHD recovery may have compensatory mechanisms and many abnormalities in EEG may be due to the influence of behavior rather than the difference in brain signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanliang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Encong Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xixi Zhao
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingjiu Cao
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiujin Qian
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drugs and Biotechnology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian K. Liu
- School of Computing, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Li Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Li Sun,
| | - Dajun Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Dajun Xing,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Syrov N, Bredikhin D, Yakovlev L, Miroshnikov A, Kaplan A. Mu-desynchronization, N400 and corticospinal excitability during observation of natural and anatomically unnatural finger movements. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:973229. [PMID: 36118966 PMCID: PMC9480608 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.973229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The action observation networks (AON) (or the mirror neuron system) are the neural underpinnings of visuomotor integration and play an important role in motor control. Besides, one of the main functions of the human mirror neuron system is recognition of observed actions and the prediction of its outcome through the comparison with the internal mental motor representation. Previous studies focused on the human mirror neurons (MNs) activation during object-oriented movements observation, therefore intransitive movements observation effects on MNs activity remains relatively little-studied. Moreover, the dependence of MNs activation on the biomechanical characteristics of observed movement and their biological plausibility remained highly underexplored. In this study we proposed that naturalness of observed intransitive movement can modulate the MNs activity. Event-related desynchronization (ERD) of sensorimotor electroencephalography (EEG) rhythms, N400 event-related potentials (ERPs) component and corticospinal excitability were investigated in twenty healthy volunteers during observation of simple non-transitive finger flexion that might be either biomechanically natural or unnatural when finger wriggled out toward the dorsal side of palm. We showed that both natural and unnatural movements caused mu/beta-desynchronization, which gradually increased during the flexion phase and returned to baseline while observation of extension. Desynchronization of the mu-rhythm was significantly higher during observation of the natural movements. At the same time, beta-rhythm was not found to be sensitive to the action naturalness. Also, observation of unnatural movements caused an increased amplitude of the N400 component registered in the centro-parietal regions. We suggest that the sensitivity of N400 to intransitive action observation with no explicit semantic context might imply the broader role of N400 sources within AON. Surprisingly, no changes in corticospinal excitability were found. This lack of excitability modulation by action observation could be related with dependence of the M1 activity on the observed movement phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Syrov
- Baltic Center for Artificial Intelligence and Neurotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
- V. Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Nikolay Syrov,
| | - Dimitri Bredikhin
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lev Yakovlev
- Baltic Center for Artificial Intelligence and Neurotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
- V. Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Miroshnikov
- Baltic Center for Artificial Intelligence and Neurotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Alexander Kaplan
- Baltic Center for Artificial Intelligence and Neurotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Krol MA, Jellema T. Sensorimotor anticipation of others' actions in real-world and video settings: modulation by level of engagement? Soc Neurosci 2022; 17:293-304. [PMID: 35613478 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2022.2083229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) studies investigating social cognition have used both video and real-world stimuli, often without a strong reasoning why one or the other was chosen. Video stimuli can be selected for practical reasons, while naturalistic real-world stimuli are ecologically valid. The current study investigated modulatory effects on EEG mu (8 - 13 Hz) suppression, directly prior to the onset - and during the course - of observed actions, related to real-world and video settings. Recordings were made over sensorimotor cortex and stimuli in both settings consisted of identical (un)predictable object-related grasping and placing actions. In both settings a very similar mu suppression was found during unfolding of the action, irrespective of predictability. However, mu suppression related to the anticipation of upcoming predictable actions was found exclusively in the real-world setting. Thus, even though the presentation setting does not seem to modulate mu suppression during action observation, it does affect the anticipation-related mu suppression. We discuss the possibility that this may be due to increased social engagement in real-world settings, which in particular affects anticipation. The findings emphasise the importance of using real-world stimuli to bring out the subtle, anticipatory, aspects related to action observation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon A Krol
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd Jellema
- The University of Hull Department of Psychology, Cottingham Road, HU6 7RX, Hull, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Amoruso L, Pusil S, García AM, Ibañez A. Decoding motor expertise from fine-tuned oscillatory network organization. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:2817-2832. [PMID: 35274804 PMCID: PMC9120567 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Can motor expertise be robustly predicted by the organization of frequency-specific oscillatory brain networks? To answer this question, we recorded high-density electroencephalography (EEG) in expert Tango dancers and naïves while viewing and judging the correctness of Tango-specific movements and during resting. We calculated task-related and resting-state connectivity at different frequency-bands capturing task performance (delta [δ], 1.5-4 Hz), error monitoring (theta [θ], 4-8 Hz), and sensorimotor experience (mu [μ], 8-13 Hz), and derived topographical features using graph analysis. These features, together with canonical expertise measures (i.e., performance in action discrimination, time spent dancing Tango), were fed into a data-driven computational learning analysis to test whether behavioral and brain signatures robustly classified individuals depending on their expertise level. Unsurprisingly, behavioral measures showed optimal classification (100%) between dancers and naïves. When considering brain models, the task-based classification performed well (~73%), with maximal discrimination afforded by theta-band connectivity, a hallmark signature of error processing. Interestingly, mu connectivity during rest outperformed (100%) the task-based approach, matching the optimal classification of behavioral measures and thus emerging as a potential trait-like marker of sensorimotor network tuning by intense training. Overall, our findings underscore the power of fine-tuned oscillatory network signatures for capturing expertise-related differences and their potential value in the neuroprognosis of learning outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Amoruso
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL), San Sebastian, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sandra Pusil
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo Martín García
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National University of Cuyo (UNCuyo), Mendoza, Argentina.,Departamento de Lingüística y Literatura, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA.,Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Agustín Ibañez
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA.,Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland.,Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Differential beta desynchronisation responses to dynamic emotional facial expressions are attenuated in higher trait anxiety and autism. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 22:1404-1420. [PMID: 35761029 PMCID: PMC9622532 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Daily life demands that we differentiate between a multitude of emotional facial expressions (EFEs). The mirror neuron system (MNS) is becoming increasingly implicated as a neural network involved with understanding emotional body expressions. However, the specificity of the MNS's involvement in emotion recognition has remained largely unexplored. This study investigated whether six basic dynamic EFEs (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise) would be differentiated through event-related desynchronisation (ERD) of sensorimotor alpha and beta oscillatory activity, which indexes sensorimotor MNS activity. We found that beta ERD differentiated happy, fearful, and sad dynamic EFEs at the central region of interest, but not at occipital regions. Happy EFEs elicited significantly greater central beta ERD relative to fearful and sad EFEs within 800 - 2,000 ms after EFE onset. These differences were source-localised to the primary somatosensory cortex, which suggests they are likely to reflect differential sensorimotor simulation rather than differential attentional engagement. Furthermore, individuals with higher trait anxiety showed less beta ERD differentiation between happy and sad faces. Similarly, individuals with higher trait autism showed less beta ERD differentiation between happy and fearful faces. These findings suggest that the differential simulation of specific affective states is attenuated in individuals with higher trait anxiety and autism. In summary, the MNS appears to support the skills needed for emotion processing in daily life, which may be influenced by certain individual differences. This provides novel evidence for the notion that simulation-based emotional skills may underlie the emotional difficulties that accompany affective disorders, such as anxiety.
Collapse
|
10
|
Zarka D, Cebolla AM, Cheron G. [Mirror neurons, neural substrate of action understanding?]. Encephale 2021; 48:83-91. [PMID: 34625217 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In 1992, the Laboratory of Human Physiology at the University of Parma (Italy) publish a study describing "mirror" neurons in the macaque that activate both when the monkey performs an action and when it observes an experimenter performing the same action. The research team behind this discovery postulates that the mirror neurons system is the neural basis of our ability to understand the actions of others, through the motor mapping of the observed action on the observer's motor repertory (direct-matching hypothesis). Nevertheless, this conception met serious criticism. These critics attempt to relativize their function by placing them within a network of neurocognitive and sensory interdependencies. In short, the essential characteristic of these neurons is to combine the processing of sensory information, especially visual, with that of motor information. Their elementary function would be to provide a motor simulation of the observed action, based on visual information from it. They can contribute, with other non-mirror areas, to the identification/prediction of the action goal and to the interpretation of the intention of the actor performing it. Studying the connectivity and high frequency synchronizations of the different brain areas involved in action observation would likely provide important information about the dynamic contribution of mirror neurons to "action understanding". The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date analysis of the scientific evidence related to mirror neurons and their elementary functions, as well as to shed light on the contribution of these neurons to our ability to interpret and understand others' actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Zarka
- Faculté des Sciences de la Motricité, laboratoire de neurophysiologie et de biomécanique du mouvement, université Libre de Bruxelles, CP640, 808, route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgique; Unité de Recherche en Sciences de l'Ostéopathie, faculté des Sciences de la Motricité, université Libre de Bruxelles, CP640, 808, route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgique.
| | - A M Cebolla
- Faculté des Sciences de la Motricité, laboratoire de neurophysiologie et de biomécanique du mouvement, université Libre de Bruxelles, CP640, 808, route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgique
| | - G Cheron
- Faculté des Sciences de la Motricité, laboratoire de neurophysiologie et de biomécanique du mouvement, université Libre de Bruxelles, CP640, 808, route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgique; Laboratoire d'électrophysiologie, université de Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgique
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim JC, Lee HM. EEG-Based Evidence of Mirror Neuron Activity from App-Mediated Stroke Patient Observation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57090979. [PMID: 34577902 PMCID: PMC8471865 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The mirror neuron system in the sensorimotor region of the cerebral cortex is equally activated during both action observation and execution. Action observation training mimics the functioning of the mirror neuron system, requiring patients to watch and imitate the actions necessary to perform activities of daily living. StrokeCare is a user-friendly application based on the principles of action observation training, designed to assist people recovering from stroke. Therefore, when observing the daily life behavior provided in the StrokeCare app, whether the MNS is activated and mu inhibition appears. Materials and Methods: We performed electroencephalography (EEG) on 24 patients with chronic stroke (infarction: 11, hemorrhage: 13) during tasks closely related to daily activities, such as dressing, undressing, and walking. The StrokeCare app provided action videos for patients to watch. Landscape imagery observation facilitated comparison among tasks. We analyzed the mu rhythm from the C3, CZ, and C4 regions and calculated the mean log ratios for comparison of mu suppression values. Results: The EEG mu power log ratios were significantly suppressed during action observation in dressing, undressing, walking, and landscape conditions, in decreasing order. However, there were no significant activity differences in the C3, C4 and CZ regions. The dressing task showed maximum suppression after a color spectrum was used to map the relative power values of the mu rhythm for each task. Conclusions: These findings reveal that the human mirror neuron system was more strongly activated during observation of actions closely related to daily life activities than landscape images.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Cheol Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, City Hospital, Seomun-daero 654, Gwangju 61710, Korea;
| | - Hyun-Min Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Honam University, Honamdae-gil 100, Gwangju 62399, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-62-940-5559
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kemmerer D. What modulates the Mirror Neuron System during action observation?: Multiple factors involving the action, the actor, the observer, the relationship between actor and observer, and the context. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 205:102128. [PMID: 34343630 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Seeing an agent perform an action typically triggers a motor simulation of that action in the observer's Mirror Neuron System (MNS). Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that during action observation the patterns and strengths of responses in the MNS are modulated by multiple factors. The first aim of this paper is therefore to provide the most comprehensive survey to date of these factors. To that end, 22 distinct factors are described, broken down into the following sets: six involving the action; two involving the actor; nine involving the observer; four involving the relationship between actor and observer; and one involving the context. The second aim is to consider the implications of these findings for four prominent theoretical models of the MNS: the Direct Matching Model; the Predictive Coding Model; the Value-Driven Model; and the Associative Model. These assessments suggest that although each model is supported by a wide range of findings, each one is also challenged by other findings and relatively unaffected by still others. Hence, there is now a pressing need for a richer, more inclusive model that is better able to account for all of the modulatory factors that have been identified so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Kemmerer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Lyles-Porter Hall, Purdue University, 715 Clinic Drive, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The Early Start Denver Model Intervention and Mu Rhythm Attenuation in Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:3304-3313. [PMID: 34309743 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05190-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We examined the relationship between the Early start Denver model (ESDM) intervention and mu rhythm attenuation, an EEG paradigm reflecting neural processes associated with action perception and social information processing. Children were assigned to either receive comprehensive ESDM intervention for two years, or were encouraged to pursue resources in the community. Two years after intervention, EEG was collected during the execution and observation of grasping actions performed by familiar and unfamiliar agents. The ESDM group showed significantly greater attenuation when viewing a parent or caregiver executing a grasping action, compared with an unfamiliar individual executing the same action. Our findings suggest that the ESDM may have a unique impact on neural circuitry underlying social cognition and familiarity.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Ten years ago, Perspectives in Psychological Science published the Mirror Neuron Forum, in which authors debated the role of mirror neurons in action understanding, speech, imitation, and autism and asked whether mirror neurons are acquired through visual-motor learning. Subsequent research on these themes has made significant advances, which should encourage further, more systematic research. For action understanding, multivoxel pattern analysis, patient studies, and brain stimulation suggest that mirror-neuron brain areas contribute to low-level processing of observed actions (e.g., distinguishing types of grip) but not to high-level action interpretation (e.g., inferring actors’ intentions). In the area of speech perception, although it remains unclear whether mirror neurons play a specific, causal role in speech perception, there is compelling evidence for the involvement of the motor system in the discrimination of speech in perceptually noisy conditions. For imitation, there is strong evidence from patient, brain-stimulation, and brain-imaging studies that mirror-neuron brain areas play a causal role in copying of body movement topography. In the area of autism, studies using behavioral and neurological measures have tried and failed to find evidence supporting the “broken-mirror theory” of autism. Furthermore, research on the origin of mirror neurons has confirmed the importance of domain-general visual-motor associative learning rather than canalized visual-motor learning, or motor learning alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Heyes
- All Souls College, University of Oxford.,Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | - Caroline Catmur
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ono Y, Hirosawa T, Hasegawa C, Ikeda T, Kudo K, Naito N, Yoshimura Y, Kikuchi M. Influence of oxytocin administration on somatosensory evoked magnetic fields induced by median nerve stimulation during hand action observation in healthy male volunteers. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249167. [PMID: 33788881 PMCID: PMC8011787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Watching another person’s hand movement modulates somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs). Assuming that the mirror neuron system may have a role in this phenomenon, oxytocin should enhance these effects. This single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study therefore used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate SEFs following electrical stimulation of the right median nerve in 20 healthy male participants during hand movement observation, which were initially presented as static images followed by moving images. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either oxytocin or saline during the first trial, with the treatment being reversed during a second trial. Log-transformed ratios of the N20 and N30 amplitudes were calculated and compared between moving and static images observations. Phase locking (calculated using intertrial phase coherence) of brain oscillations was also analyzed to evaluate alpha, beta and gamma rhythm changes after oxytocin administration. Log N30 ratios showed no significant changes after placebo administration but showed a decreasing tendency (albeit not significant) after placebo administration, which may suggest mirror neuron system involvement. In contrast, log N20 ratios were increased after placebo administration, but showed no significant change after oxytocin administration. Interestingly, the gamma band activity around N20 increased after placebo administration, suggesting that oxytocin exerted an analgesic effect on median nerve stimulation, and inhibited the gamma band increase. Oxytocin might therefore modulate not only the mirror neuron system, but also the sensory processing associated with median nerve stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuki Ono
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Tetsu Hirosawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Ikeda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | - Nobushige Naito
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Investigating the effects of pain observation on approach and withdrawal actions. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:847-856. [PMID: 33399898 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05990-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that observing another individual receiving a painful stimulus leads to motor facilitation as indexed by faster reaction times. The current study explores whether the type of action that is executed modulates this facilitation effect. Specifically, we examined whether approach-like and withdraw-like movements are differentially influenced by pain observation. In experiment 1, participants performed key presses (approach) and releases (withdraw) after observing another person in pain (vs. no pain). In experiment 2, participants used a joystick to make forward (approach) and backward (withdraw) movements after observing another person in pain (vs. no pain). Across both experiments, we did not find evidence for differential effects of pain observation on approach-like and withdraw-like movements. We do, however, report a robust response-general effect of pain observation on motor behaviour (i.e., faster reaction times after pain observation vs. no pain, regardless of movement type). We discuss these results in relation to the wider emotion, attention, and social neuroscience of empathy literatures.
Collapse
|
17
|
Individual differences in anticipatory mu rhythm modulation are associated with executive function and processing speed. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 20:901-916. [PMID: 32794102 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-020-00809-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the role of brain oscillations in the regulation and control of behavior. The current study examined the relations between specific cognitive abilities and changes in brain oscillatory activity during anticipation of, and in response to, tactile stimulation of the hand. The oscillation of interest was the sensorimotor mu rhythm (8-14 Hz) at central electrode sites. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded during a task in which a visuospatial cue directed adults (N = 40) that a tactile stimulus would be delivered to their left or right hand. Lateralized changes in mu power following tactile stimulation were associated with reaction time to the tactile stimulus. The extent of a contralateral anticipatory reduction in mu power during the 500 ms before the tactile stimulus was associated with performance on a separate processing speed task. Changes in ipsilateral mu power during anticipation of the tactile stimulus were associated with performance on a flanker task and were marginally correlated with performance on a card sort task. Regression analyses further indicated the specificity of these relations to anticipatory changes in mu power. In summary, mu rhythm modulation during anticipation of tactile stimulation to a specific bodily location was related to a broad measure of processing speed and to variability in the broader ability to regulate behavior in a goal-directed manner. Implications are discussed in terms of the foundational role of anticipatory attention in cognitive processes and the utility of selective attention to the body as an index of attentional control more broadly.
Collapse
|
18
|
Temporiti F, Adamo P, Cavalli E, Gatti R. Efficacy and Characteristics of the Stimuli of Action Observation Therapy in Subjects With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2020; 11:808. [PMID: 32903559 PMCID: PMC7438447 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The discovery of the Mirror Neuron System has promoted the development of Action Observation Therapy (AOT) to improve motor and functional abilities in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This innovative approach involves observing video-clips showing motor contents, which may vary across the studies influencing AOT efficacy. To date, no studies have systematically summarized the effects of AOT in patients with PD on motor and functional outcomes, underlining the characteristics of visual stimuli in relation to their efficacy. Objectives: To describe the potential benefits of AOT in patients with PD and discuss the characteristics of visual stimuli used in clinical studies in relation to their efficacy. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out using MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PEDro, from inception until March 2020. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of AOT on motor and functional recovery in patients with PD were included. Two independent reviewers appraised the records for inclusion, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted the following data: number and characteristics of participants, features and posology of the treatments, outcome measures at each follow-up, and main results. Findings were aggregated into a quantitative synthesis (mean difference and 95% confidence interval) for each time point. Results: Overall, 7 studies (189 participants) with a mean PEDro score of 6.1 (range: 4–8) points were selected. Included studies revealed AOT as effective in improving walking ability and typical motor signs (i.e., freezing of gait and bradykinesia) in patients with PD. Moreover, when this approach incorporated ecological auditory stimuli, changes to functional abilities and quality of life were also induced, which persisted up to 3 months after treatment. However, included studies adopted AOT stimuli with heterogeneous posology (from a single session to 8 weeks) and characteristics of motor contents might be responsible for different motor and functional recovery (person-related and viewing perspectives, transitive or intransitive actions, healthy subjects or patients, and association or not with imitation). Conclusions: AOT leads to improvements in motor and functional abilities in patients with PD and the characteristics of visual stimuli may play a role in determining AOT effects, deserving further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Temporiti
- Physiotherapy Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Adamo
- Physiotherapy Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cavalli
- Physiotherapy Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Gatti
- Physiotherapy Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yates L, Hobson H. Continuing to look in the mirror: A review of neuroscientific evidence for the broken mirror hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of autism spectrum conditions. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 24:1945-1959. [PMID: 32668956 PMCID: PMC7539595 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320936945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for action understanding and imitation. Subsequently, mirror neuron system dysfunction has therefore been proposed to explain the social deficits manifested within autism spectrum condition, an approach referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. Despite excitement surrounding this hypothesis, extensive research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its pure form, and instead two alternative models have been formulated: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest some dysfunction regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition, be that within the mirror neuron system itself or systems that regulate the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model.
Collapse
|
20
|
Towards a Pragmatic Approach to a Psychophysiological Unit of Analysis for Mental and Brain Disorders: An EEG-Copeia for Neurofeedback. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2020; 44:151-172. [PMID: 31098793 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-019-09440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This article proposes what we call an "EEG-Copeia" for neurofeedback, like the "Pharmacopeia" for psychopharmacology. This paper proposes to define an "EEG-Copeia" as an organized list of scientifically validated EEG markers, characterized by a specific association with an identified cognitive process, that define a psychophysiological unit of analysis useful for mental or brain disorder evaluation and treatment. A characteristic of EEG neurofeedback for mental and brain disorders is that it targets a EEG markers related to a supposed cognitive process, whereas conventional treatments target clinical manifestations. This could explain why EEG neurofeedback studies encounter difficulty in achieving reproducibility and validation. The present paper suggests that a first step to optimize EEG neurofeedback protocols and future research is to target a valid EEG marker. The specificity of the cognitive skills trained and learned during real time feedback of the EEG marker could be enhanced and both the reliability of neurofeedback training and the therapeutic impact optimized. However, several of the most well-known EEG markers have seldom been applied for neurofeedback. Moreover, we lack a reliable and valid EEG targets library for further RCT to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback in mental and brain disorders. With the present manuscript, our aim is to foster dialogues between cognitive neuroscience and EEG neurofeedback according to a psychophysiological perspective. The primary objective of this review was to identify the most robust EEG target. EEG markers linked with one or several clearly identified cognitive-related processes will be identified. The secondary objective was to organize these EEG markers and related cognitive process in a psychophysiological unit of analysis matrix inspired by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project.
Collapse
|
21
|
Orlandi A, D'Incà S, Proverbio AM. Muscular effort coding in action representation in ballet dancers and controls: Electrophysiological evidence. Brain Res 2020; 1733:146712. [PMID: 32044337 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present electrophysiological (EEG) study investigated the neural correlates of perceiving effortful vs. effortless movements belonging to a specific repertoire (ballet). Previous evidence has shown an increased heart and respiratory rate during the observation and imagination of human actions that require a great muscular effort. In addition, TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and EEG studies have evidenced a greater muscle-specific cortical excitability and an increase in late event-related potentials during the observation of effortful actions. In this investigation, fifteen professional female ballet dancers and 15 controls with no experience whatsoever with dance, gymnastics, or martial arts were recruited. They were shown 326 short videos displaying a male dancer performing standard ballet steps that could be either effortful or relatively effortless. Participants were instructed to observe each clip and imagine themselves physically executing the same movement. Importantly, they were blinded to the stimuli properties. The observation of effortful compared with effortless movements resulted in a larger P300 over frontal sites in dancers only, likely because of their visuomotor expertise with the specific steps. Moreover, an enhanced Late Positivity was identified over posterior sites in response to effortful stimuli in both groups, possibly reflecting the processing of larger quantities of visual kinematic information. The source reconstruction swLORETA performed on the Late Positivity component showed greater engagement of frontoparietal regions in dancers, while task-related frontal and occipitotemporal visual regions were more active in controls. It, therefore, appears that, in dancers, effort information was encoded in a more refined manner during action observation and in the absence of explicit instruction. Acquired motor knowledge seems to result in visuomotor resonance processes, which, in turn, underlies enhanced action representation of the observed movements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Orlandi
- Neuro-MI, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.
| | - Silvia D'Incà
- Neuro-MI, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Alice Mado Proverbio
- Neuro-MI, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Farwaha S, Obhi SS. Socioeconomic status and self–other processing: socioeconomic status predicts interference in the automatic imitation task. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:833-841. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05761-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
23
|
Midline frontal and occipito-temporal activity during error monitoring in dyadic motor interactions. Cortex 2020; 127:131-149. [PMID: 32197149 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Discrepancies between sensory predictions and action outcome are at the base of error coding. However, these phenomena have mainly been studied focussing on individual performance. Here, we explored EEG responses to motor prediction errors during a human-avatar interaction and show that Theta/Alpha activity of the frontal error-monitoring system works in phase with activity of the occipito-temporal node of the action observation network. Our motor interaction paradigm required healthy individuals to synchronize their reach-to-grasp movements with those of a virtual partner in conditions that did (Interactive) or did not require (Cued) movement prediction and adaptation to the partner's actions. Crucially, in 30% of the trials the virtual partner suddenly and unpredictably changed its movement trajectory thereby violating the human participant's expectation. These changes elicited error-related neuromarkers (ERN/Pe - Theta/Alpha modulations) over fronto-central electrodes during the Interactive condition. Source localization and connectivity analyses showed that the frontal Theta/Alpha activity induced by violations of the expected interactive movements was in phase with occipito-temporal Theta/Alpha activity. These results expand current knowledge about the neural correlates of on-line interpersonal motor interactions linking the frontal error-monitoring system to visual, body motion-related, responses.
Collapse
|
24
|
Krol MA, Schutter DJLG, Jellema T. Sensorimotor cortex activation during anticipation of upcoming predictable but not unpredictable actions. Soc Neurosci 2019; 15:214-226. [PMID: 31587597 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2019.1674688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The mirror neuron system (MNS) becomes active during action execution and action observation, which is presumably reflected by reductions in mu (8-13 Hz) activity in the electroencephalogram over the sensorimotor cortex. The function of the MNS is still fiercely debated. The current study aimed to investigate a role of the MNS in anticipating others' actions by examining whether the MNS was activated - indexed by mu power suppression - prior to the onset of observed actions when the onset and type of action could be predicted on the basis of environmental cues. Young adults performed and observed cued grasping and placing actions in a card game in a real-life setting, while the predictability of the observed actions was manipulated using rules. Significant mu suppression, relative to within-trial baseline activity, was found both prior to and during executed actions, but also during action observation, and, crucially, prior to observed actions provided they were predictable. No anticipatory mu reductions were found prior to unpredictable observed actions. These results suggest top-down modulation of MNS activity by conceptual knowledge. This is the first study to demonstrate mu suppression prior to action onset - possibly reflecting MNS anticipatory activity - by explicitly manipulating predictability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon A Krol
- Department of Psychology, University of Hull, Hull, UK.,Center for Autism Research Excellence, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cebolla AM, Cheron G. Understanding Neural Oscillations in the Human Brain: From Movement to Consciousness and Vice Versa. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1930. [PMID: 31507490 PMCID: PMC6718699 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Cebolla
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guy Cheron
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Electrophysiology, Université de Mons-Hainaut, Mons, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Siqi-Liu A, Harris AM, Atkinson AP, Reed CL. Dissociable processing of emotional and neutral body movements revealed by μ-alpha and beta rhythms. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2019; 13:1269-1279. [PMID: 30351422 PMCID: PMC6277737 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsy094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Both when actions are executed and observed, electroencephalography (EEG) has shown reduced alpha-band (8–12 Hz) oscillations over sensorimotor cortex. This ‘μ-alpha’ suppression is thought to reflect mental simulation of action, which has been argued to support internal representation of others’ emotional states. Despite the proposed role of simulation in emotion perception, little is known about the effect of emotional content on μ-suppression. We recorded high-density EEG while participants viewed point-light displays of emotional vs neutral body movements in ‘coherent’ biologically plausible and ‘scrambled’ configurations. Although coherent relative to scrambled stimuli elicited μ-alpha suppression, the comparison of emotional and neutral movement, controlling for basic visual input, revealed suppression effects in both alpha and beta bands. Whereas alpha-band activity reflected reduced power for emotional stimuli in central and occipital sensors, beta power at frontocentral sites was driven by enhancement for neutral relative to emotional actions. A median-split by autism-spectrum quotient score revealed weaker μ-alpha suppression and beta enhancement in participants with autistic tendencies, suggesting that sensorimotor simulation may be differentially engaged depending on social capabilities. Consistent with theories of embodied emotion, these data support a link between simulation and social perception while more firmly connecting emotional processing to the activity of sensorimotor systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Siqi-Liu
- Department of Psychology, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Alison M Harris
- Department of Psychology, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | | | - Catherine L Reed
- Department of Psychology, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Brunsdon VEA, Bradford EEF, Ferguson HJ. Sensorimotor mu rhythm during action observation changes across the lifespan independently from social cognitive processes. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2019; 38:100659. [PMID: 31132663 PMCID: PMC6688050 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2019.100659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The observation of actions performed by another person activates parts of the brain as if the observer were performing that action, referred to as the 'mirror system'. Very little is currently known about the developmental trajectory of the mirror system and related social cognitive processes. This experimental study sought to explore the modulation of the sensorimotor mu rhythm during action observation using EEG measures, and how these may relate to social cognitive abilities across the lifespan, from late childhood through to old age. Three-hundred and one participants aged 10- to 86-years-old completed an action observation EEG task and three additional explicit measures of social cognition. As predicted, findings show enhanced sensorimotor alpha and beta desynchronization during hand action observation as compared to static hand observation. Overall, our findings indicate that the reactivity of the sensorimotor mu rhythm to the observation of others' actions increases throughout the lifespan, independently from social cognitive processes.
Collapse
|
28
|
Motor system recruitment during action observation: No correlation between mu-rhythm desynchronization and corticospinal excitability. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207476. [PMID: 30440042 PMCID: PMC6237396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Observing others’ actions desynchronizes electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms and modulates corticospinal excitability as assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). However, it remains unclear if these measures reflect similar neurofunctional mechanisms at the individual level. In the present study, a within-subject experiment was designed to assess these two neurophysiological indexes and to quantify their mutual correlation. Participants observed reach-to-grasp actions directed towards a small (precision grip) or a large object (power grip). We focused on two specific time points for both EEG and TMS. The first time point (t1) coincided with the maximum hand aperture, i.e. the moment at which a significant modulation of corticospinal excitability is expected. The second (t2), coincided with the EEG resynchronization occurring at the end of the action, i.e. the moment at which a hypothetic minimum for action observation effect is expected. Results showed a Mu rhythm bilateral desynchronization at t1 with differential resynchronization at t2 in the two hemispheres. Beta rhythm was more desynchronized in the left hemisphere at both time points. These EEG differences, however, were not influenced by grip type. Conversely, motor potentials evoked by TMS in an intrinsic hand muscle revealed an interaction effect of grip and time. No significant correlations between Mu/Beta rhythms and motor evoked potentials were found. These findings are discussed considering the spatial and temporal resolution of the two investigated techniques and argue over two alternative explanations: i. each technique provides different measures of the same process or ii. they describe complementary features of the action observation network in humans.
Collapse
|
29
|
Li J, Ran X, Cui C, Xiang C, Zhang A, Shen F. Instant sedative effect of acupuncture at GV20 on the frequency of electroencephalogram α and β waves in a model of sleep deprivation. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:5353-5358. [PMID: 29896222 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep deprivation (SD) adversely affects brain function and is accompanied by frequency-dependent changes in electroencephalograms (EEGs). Recent studies have suggested that acupuncture is an emerging alternative therapy for SD. However, the involvement of the frequency of EEG α and β waves in the protective effect of acupuncture against SD remains unknown. The present study investigated the instant effect of acupuncture at GV20 on insomnia by analyzing the frequency of α and β waves using electroencephalography in a model of sleep deprivation. A total of 16 rats (Wistar; male; weight, 340±10 g) were divided randomly into four groups (4 rats per group) to create a rat model of sleep deprivation using the modified multiple platform method in the GV20 group, the sham acupoint group and the model group. After 72 h of sleep deprivation for these three groups and normal feeding for the blank group, the EEG data of all four groups were documented. Following the initial measurement, the GV20 group was treated by acupuncture at GV20 and the sham acupoint group was treated at the sham acupoint, and their EEGs were recorded during the treatment. The frequency of α and β waves of all EEG data were analyzed. Prior to intervention, the GV20 group, the sham acupoint group and the model group exhibited no significant differences in α and β wave frequencies; however, the α wave frequency of these three groups was significantly decreased compared with the blank group (P<0.05), whereas the β wave frequency of these three groups was significantly increased compared with the blank group (P<0.05). This suggested that sleep deprivation affected the frequency of brain waves and enhanced the excitability of the cerebral cortex. During acupuncture treatment with retained needle conditioning, the GV20 group indicated a significant increase in α wave frequency (P<0.05), as well as a significant decrease in β wave frequency compared with prior to treatment (P<0.05), whereas the sham acupoint group exhibited no significant changes. The present findings from a rat model of sleep deprivation suggested that acupuncture treatment at GV20 may reduce the excitability of the brain cortex. Due to its sedative effect, treatment at GV20 may be considered for the treatment of insomnia and related symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Ran
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Chao Cui
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Chao Xiang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Ao Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China.,College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Feng Shen
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Takillah S, Naudé J, Didienne S, Sebban C, Decros B, Schenker E, Spedding M, Mourot A, Mariani J, Faure P. Acute Stress Affects the Expression of Hippocampal Mu Oscillations in an Age-Dependent Manner. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:295. [PMID: 29033825 PMCID: PMC5627040 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiolytic drugs are widely used in the elderly, a population particularly sensitive to stress. Stress, aging and anxiolytics all affect low-frequency oscillations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) independently, but the interactions between these factors remain unclear. Here, we compared the effects of stress (elevated platform, EP) and anxiolytics (diazepam, DZP) on extracellular field potentials (EFP) in the PFC, parietal cortex and hippocampus (dorsal and ventral parts) of adult (8 months) and aged (18 months) Wistar rats. A potential source of confusion in the experimental studies in rodents comes from locomotion-related theta (6-12 Hz) oscillations, which may overshadow the direct effects of anxiety on low-frequency and especially on the high-amplitude oscillations in the Mu range (7-12 Hz), related to arousal. Animals were restrained to avoid any confound and isolate the direct effects of stress from theta oscillations related to stress-induced locomotion. We identified transient, high-amplitude oscillations in the 7-12 Hz range ("Mu-bursts") in the PFC, parietal cortex and only in the dorsal part of hippocampus. At rest, aged rats displayed more Mu-bursts than adults. Stress acted differently on Mu-bursts depending on age: it increases vs. decreases burst, in adult and aged animals, respectively. In contrast DZP (1 mg/kg) acted the same way in stressed adult and age animal: it decreased the occurrence of Mu-bursts, as well as their co-occurrence. This is consistent with DZP acting as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, which globally potentiates inhibition and has anxiolytic effects. Overall, the effect of benzodiazepines on stressed animals was to restore Mu burst activity in adults but to strongly diminish them in aged rats. This work suggests Mu-bursts as a neural marker to study the impact of stress and DZP on age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Takillah
- Team Neurophysiology and Behavior, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8246 Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRS, INSERM, U1130Paris, France.,Team Brain Development, Repair and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing (B2A), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRSParis, France.,APHP Hôpital Charles Foix, DHU Fast, Institut de la LongévitéIvry-sur-Seine, France.,Département Neurosciences et Contraintes Opérationnelles, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Unité Fatigue et VigilanceBrétigny-sur-Orge, France.,EA7330 VIFASOM, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
| | - Jérémie Naudé
- Team Neurophysiology and Behavior, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8246 Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRS, INSERM, U1130Paris, France
| | - Steve Didienne
- Team Neurophysiology and Behavior, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8246 Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRS, INSERM, U1130Paris, France
| | - Claude Sebban
- Team Brain Development, Repair and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing (B2A), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRSParis, France.,APHP Hôpital Charles Foix, DHU Fast, Institut de la LongévitéIvry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Brigitte Decros
- Team Brain Development, Repair and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing (B2A), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRSParis, France.,APHP Hôpital Charles Foix, DHU Fast, Institut de la LongévitéIvry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Esther Schenker
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Institut de Recherches ServierCroissy-sur-Seine, France
| | | | - Alexandre Mourot
- Team Neurophysiology and Behavior, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8246 Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRS, INSERM, U1130Paris, France
| | - Jean Mariani
- Team Brain Development, Repair and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing (B2A), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRSParis, France.,APHP Hôpital Charles Foix, DHU Fast, Institut de la LongévitéIvry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Philippe Faure
- Team Neurophysiology and Behavior, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR 8246 Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), CNRS, INSERM, U1130Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hobson HM, Bishop DVM. Reply to Bowman et al.: Building the foundations for moving mu suppression research forward. Cortex 2017; 96:126-128. [PMID: 28751100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Hobson
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Dorothy V M Bishop
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3UD, UK
| |
Collapse
|