Somatosensory lateral inhibition processes modulate motor response inhibition - an EEG source localization study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Perception

Background:

• Motor inhibitory control is a key executive function.
• The role of perceptual mechanisms in motor control is increasingly recognized.
• The specific impact of sensory perception on motor inhibition remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if sensory lateral inhibition (LI) modulates motor inhibitory control.
• To explore the neurophysiological underpinnings of this interaction.

Main Methods:

• A systems neurophysiological approach was employed.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) signal decomposition and source localization were used.
• A somatosensory GO/NOGO task was administered.

Main Results:

• Individual differences in LI strength significantly affect tasks requiring interhemispheric information integration.
• Stronger sensory suppression correlates with increased impulsive errors.
• Lateral inhibition impacts response selection and stimulus categorization, not solely perceptual or motor processes.
• Posterior parietal cortex activity is modulated by these processes.

Conclusions:

• Sensory lateral inhibition influences motor inhibitory control, particularly during interhemispheric integration.
• High sensory suppression and the need for cross-hemispheric communication impair inhibitory control efficiency.
• Basic perceptual mechanisms directly affect higher-level motor control functions.