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EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development
Published on: April 9, 2014
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Spectral and source structural development of mu and alpha rhythms from infancy through adulthood
Samuel G Thorpe1, Erin N Cannon1, Nathan A Fox1
1University of Maryland Child Development Laboratory, 3304 Benjamin Building, College Park, MD, USA.
Summary
Functional mu desynchronization and spontaneous alpha band EEG show increasing peak frequencies with age. This indicates a developing cortical mu network evident from 12 months old.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
Background:
- The mu rhythm, a component of the human electroencephalogram (EEG), is associated with motor control and is characterized by alpha band oscillations.
- Understanding the developmental trajectory of mu desynchronization is crucial for comprehending the maturation of sensorimotor networks.
- The relationship between active mu desynchronization and spontaneous alpha activity during development remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in spectral, topographic, and source characteristics of mu desynchronization during voluntary movements.
- To explore the relationship between the spectral and topographic features of mu desynchronization and spontaneous EEG activity in the developing alpha band.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of event-related desynchronization (ERD) and power spectral density (PSD) in infants (12 months), children (4 years), and adults.
- Utilized age-matched structural MRI for creating head models and performing current density reconstructions of mu desynchronization.
- Examined spectral and topographic properties of mu rhythm and spontaneous alpha band EEG.
Main Results:
- Spectral peaks in both upper and lower alpha bands were observed in infants and children.
- The spectral and topographic properties of mu desynchronization aligned with upper alpha band activity across all age groups.
- Source reconstructions revealed consistent frontoparietal patterns of cortical mu desynchronization, localized to central and parietal regions, across development.
Conclusions:
- Peak frequencies of mu desynchronization and spontaneous alpha band EEG increase with age.
- Characteristic mu topography and source structure are present from at least 12 months of age.
- Evidence suggests a cortically distributed functional mu network with measurable spontaneous upper alpha band activity throughout development.
