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Modulations of Inter-Hemispherical Phase Coupling in Human Single Leg Stance
Tim Lehmann1, Daniel Büchel1, John Cockcroft2
1Exercise Science & Neuroscience Unit, Department of Exercise & Health, Faculty of Science, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany.
Neuroscience
|February 7, 2020
Summary
Balancing on one leg, compared to two, reduces alpha-2 brainwave connectivity between hemispheres. This suggests altered brain network activity and increased alertness for maintaining single-leg postural control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Motor Control
- Brain-Body Interaction
Background:
- Neuroimaging reveals increased cortical activation and connectivity with higher task difficulty and postural instability.
- Limited research exists on cortical network allocation as the base of support decreases from bipedal to single-leg stance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate modulations in functional brain connectivity when transitioning from bipedal to single-leg stance.
- To understand how the brain adapts its networks to maintain balance with a reduced base of support.
Main Methods:
- 15 male subjects underwent 128-channel mobile electroencephalography (EEG) during bipedal and single-leg stance.
- Analyzed power spectral density in theta and alpha frequency bands (4-12 Hz).
- Measured functional connectivity using the phase lag index (PLI) and assessed postural control via sway area and velocity.
Main Results:
- Single-leg stance showed a significantly increased area of sway and decreased alpha-2 power compared to bipedal stance.
- Phase lag index (PLI) in the alpha-2 band revealed significantly decreased inter-hemispherical phase coupling during single-leg stance.
- This decreased connectivity involved regions in the left motor cortex.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest distinct modulations of cortical contributions between bipedal and single-leg stance.
- Decreased inter-hemispherical functional connectivity, coupled with increased cortical excitability, may signify heightened alertness and selective motor network inhibition for postural control.
