A Dynamical Systems Approach to Characterizing Brain-Body Interactions during Movement: Challenges, Interpretations,...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biophysics
• Robotics

Background:

• Brain-body interactions (BBIs) are central to understanding motor control.
• Current BBI research often interprets brain activity behaviorally, not neuroanatomically or biophysically.
• Existing methods for studying BBIs are not aligned with a dynamical systems approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a tutorial for studying BBIs through a dynamical systems lens.
• To address limitations in current BBI research methodologies.
• To guide researchers in neuroimaging and neurorehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Outlining best practices for acquiring, interpreting, and cleaning electroencephalography (EEG) during whole-body movement.
• Discussing theories for modeling EEG and kinematic data as dynamical systems.
• Presenting worked examples using model systems and empirical data from walking tasks.

Main Results:

• Provides a framework for analyzing brain-body interactions using dynamical systems.
• Demonstrates practical application of methods with EEG and kinematic data.
• Highlights improved interpretation of neural activity during movement.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming methodological limitations in BBI research is crucial for advancing neuroimaging and neurorehabilitation.
• A dynamical systems approach offers a more robust framework for understanding neuromotor control.
• This tutorial equips researchers with tools to better study brain-body coordination.