Electrocortical activity distinguishes between uphill and level walking in humans

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Human Locomotion

Background:

• Understanding the neural control of locomotion is crucial for rehabilitation and assistive technologies.
• Electrocortical activity patterns during walking can reveal brain adaptations to different surface inclines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in electroencephalography (EEG) activity between walking on an incline versus a level surface.
• To identify specific brain regions and frequency bands involved in adapting gait to inclines.

Main Methods:

• Subjects underwent EEG recording while walking on a treadmill at 0% and 15% grades.
• Independent Component (IC) analysis was used to isolate and analyze cortical sources from EEG data.
• Event-related spectral perturbations were analyzed in relation to gait cycle events.

Main Results:

• Theta power was significantly higher during incline walking in anterior cingulate, sensorimotor, and posterior parietal regions.
• Gamma power was greater during level walking in left sensorimotor and anterior cingulate areas.
• Distinct alpha and beta power fluctuations indicated cortical lateralization in sensorimotor areas for both conditions.

Conclusions:

• Locomotor adjustments for incline walking require supraspinal input, especially from the left sensorimotor cortex, anterior cingulate, and posterior parietal areas.
• EEG can differentiate neural activity between incline and level walking, supporting its use in brain-computer interfaces.
• Findings pave the way for EEG-based control signals in ambulatory brain-computer interface technologies.