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Combining Computer Game-Based Behavioural Experiments With High-Density EEG and Infrared Gaze Tracking
Published on: December 16, 2010
Absence of gaze direction effects on EEG measures of sensorimotor function
C W Hesse1, E Seiss, R M Bracewell
1Sensory Motor Neuroscience Group, Behavioural Brain Sciences Centre, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. c.w.hesse@bham.ac.uk
Summary
Gaze direction does not affect electroencephalogram (EEG) measures of sensorimotor function, such as somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and movement-related cortical potentials (MRPs). These EEG measures are insensitive to gaze modulation observed with fMRI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Gaze direction influences sensorimotor area activation at single-cell and fMRI levels.
- Investigating gaze effects on scalp-recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) measures is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if gaze direction modulates sensorimotor function measured by EEG.
- To compare EEG findings with known fMRI observations.
Main Methods:
- Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded using median nerve stimulation.
- Steady-state movement-related cortical potentials (MRPs) were induced by 2 Hz tapping.
- Subjects directed gaze 15 degrees left or right during both experiments.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in SEP or MRP waveforms were observed due to gaze direction.
- Peak amplitude, latency, and scalp topography of SEP/MRP components remained unaffected.
- Frequency domain analyses showed no reliable gaze-related changes in power or coherence.
Conclusions:
- EEG measures of sensorimotor function are insensitive to gaze direction modulation in non-visual tasks.
- Findings contrast with fMRI observations, suggesting different sensitivities to gaze effects.
