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Published on: February 23, 2020
Functional properties of human primary motor cortex gamma oscillations
1Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. sdmuthu@cardiff.ac.uk
Journal of Neurophysiology
|October 2, 2010
Summary
Gamma oscillations in the primary motor cortex (M1) are linked to limb movement, not muscle feedback. These brain signals play a role in the later stages of motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Brain Oscillations
Background:
- Gamma oscillations in the human primary motor cortex (M1) are documented via electrocorticography and noninvasive recordings.
- Their precise functional role in the sensorimotor system remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the properties and functional significance of M1 gamma oscillations using magnetoencephalography (MEG).
- To investigate the relationship between M1 gamma oscillations and movement characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Four magnetoencephalography (MEG) experiments were conducted.
- Localization and amplitude analysis of gamma oscillations in M1 during various movement tasks.
- Comparison of active and passive movements to differentiate sensory feedback effects.
Main Results:
- Gamma oscillations were localized in M1, peaking 137 ms post-electromyographic onset.
- Oscillation strength correlated with movement size but were absent during sustained isometric contractions.
- Gamma oscillations were greater for the initial movement in a sequence.
- M1 oscillations were absent during passive finger shortening, unlike active contractions.
Conclusions:
- M1 gamma oscillations are not solely driven by somatosensory feedback.
- These oscillations appear to encode limb movement information, suggesting a role in later motor control stages.
