Dynamics in interbrain synchronization while playing a piano duet

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Music Psychology

Background:

• Human interaction relies on sensory and motor processes.
• Interpersonal action coordination involves complex brain mechanisms.
• The role of interbrain synchronization in coordinated actions requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of interbrain synchronization during interpersonal action coordination.
• To determine if interbrain phase couplings are reducible to bottom-up processes or represent top-down cognitive control.
• To examine brain activity during periods of high and low coordination demands in musical duets.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) recording from 13 pairs of pianists performing a duet.
• Behavioral analysis of musical synchronization and stability.
• Analysis of interbrain phase coherence (IPC) in delta and theta frequency bands during perturbed and non-perturbed trials.

Main Results:

• Behavioral desynchronization and instability were observed when one musician deliberately disrupted the play.
• Interbrain synchrony (IPC) increased in delta and theta bands during perturbation compared to non-perturbed trials.
• A shift from in-phase to anti-phase synchrony in the delta band accompanied the increased IPC.

Conclusions:

• Interbrain synchronization is not merely a reflection of similar sensory or motor responses.
• Interpersonal temporal alignment of brain mechanisms underlies interbrain synchronization.
• Cognitive top-down control plays a significant role in coordinating actions, particularly under high demand.