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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Statistical Modelling of Cortical Connectivity Using Non-invasive Electroencephalograms
Published on: November 1, 2019
Corticomuscular and bilateral EMG coherence reflect distinct aspects of neural synchronization
Tjeerd W Boonstra1, Bernadette C M van Wijk, Peter Praamstra
1School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. t.boonstra@unsw.edu.au
Abstract:
Using electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG), corticomuscular and bilateral motor unit synchronization have been found in different frequency bands and under different task conditions. These different types of long-range synchrony are hypothesized to originate from distinct mechanisms. We tested this by comparing time-resolved EEG-EMG and EMG-EMG coherence in a bilateral precision-grip task. Bilateral EMG activity was synchronized between 7 and 13Hz for about 1s when force output from both hands changed from an increasing to a stable force production. In contrast, EEG-EMG coherence was statistically significant between 15 and 30Hz during stable force production. The disparities in their time-frequency profiles accord with the existence of distinct underlying processes for corticomuscular and bilateral motor unit synchronization. In addition, the absence of synchronization between cortical activity and common spinal input at 10Hz renders a cortical source unlikely.
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