Quantitative Electroencephalography and Surface Electromyography Correlations upon Predictable and Unpredictable...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) offers high temporal resolution for assessing cortical function.
• qEEG is a non-invasive technique to measure electrical activity over the brain's cortex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate postural adjustments in older adults.
• To examine brain activity and muscle responses to external perturbations in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen healthy older adults participated in an observational study.
• A 32-channel qEEG monitored beta power in sensory-motor areas.
• Integrated electromyographic activity (IntEMG) of leg muscles was recorded during predictable and unpredictable perturbations.

Main Results:

• Higher beta power was observed in the Cz electrode during the late phase of response in both conditions.
• IntEMG in the tibialis anterior muscle was significantly greater during the CPA epoch.
• Positive correlations were found between beta power in sensorimotor areas (C3, C4) and leg muscle activity (tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius).

Conclusions:

• Sensorimotor processing is evident during the brain's response to perturbations in older adults.
• Cortical activity peaks during muscle recruitment in the late phase of postural adjustments.