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Published on: December 31, 2013
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Corticokinematic coherence mainly reflects movement-induced proprioceptive feedback
Mathieu Bourguignon1, Harri Piitulainen1, Xavier De Tiège2
1Brain Research Unit and MEG Core, O.V. Lounasmaa Laboratory, Aalto University School of Science, PO BOX 15100, FI-00076-AALTO Espoo, Finland.
Neuroimage
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Corticokinematic coherence (CKC) primarily reflects sensory feedback to the brain, not motor commands. This study used directed coherence to show movement signals flow from the hand to the sensorimotor cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Somatosensation
Background:
- Corticokinematic coherence (CKC) links brain activity (MEG) and hand movement.
- Previous studies suggested CKC reflects proprioceptive feedback to the sensorimotor cortex (SM1).
- Directionality of this brain-kinematics coupling remained unassessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify the directionality of brain-kinematics coupling using renormalized partial directed coherence (rPDC).
- Investigate the role of proprioceptive feedback in CKC.
- Determine if CKC reflects afferent sensory input or efferent motor commands.
Main Methods:
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) recorded brain activity during active and passive finger movements.
- Renormalized partial directed coherence (rPDC) assessed directionality of coupling.
- Experiments included conditions with and without tactile input, and varying movement paces.
Main Results:
- Afferent rPDC (hand to SM1) was consistently higher than efferent rPDC (SM1 to hand).
- Afferent rPDC increased with tactile input and peaked at the first harmonic of passive movement frequency.
- Apparent afferent latency was estimated at 50-100 ms.
Conclusions:
- CKC predominantly reflects somatosensory proprioceptive afferent input to the sensorimotor cortex.
- The findings support a sensory feedback model for CKC, rather than a motor command model.
- Tactile input enhances movement-related sensory processing in the SM1 cortex.
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