Pre-stimulus beta power varies as a function of auditory-motor synchronization and temporal predictability

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Auditory Perception
• Motor Control

Background:

• Auditory-motor interactions are crucial for preparing to receive expected sensory information.
• Pre-stimulus beta activity (13-30 Hz) in electroencephalography (EEG) is linked to anticipating sensory input.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of active auditory-motor synchronization in modulating pre-stimulus beta activity.
• To determine if beta activity reflects general temporal anticipation or specific neural entrainment.

Main Methods:

• Participants silently identified frequency deviants in tone sequences.
• EEG recorded beta activity during rhythmic and arrhythmic auditory stimulation, both while seated and pedaling.
• A self-generated stimulus condition synchronized with spontaneous pedaling was included.

Main Results:

• Pre-stimulus beta power was higher for rhythmic than arrhythmic tones in both seated and pedaling conditions.
• Beta power was strongest during auditory-motor synchronization (AMS) and correlated with motor performance.
• Increased beta power was observed for self-generated stimuli, similar to the AMS condition.

Conclusions:

• Pre-stimulus beta power is a general neural correlate of temporal anticipation, not solely tied to periodic stimuli.
• Active behavior and precise auditory-motor synchronization enhance auditory predictions.