Cross-Task Differences in Frontocentral Cortical Activations for Dynamic Balance in Neurotypical Adults

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Human Balance

Background:

• Understanding cortical control of balance is crucial, but previous studies often used single tasks, limiting generalizability.
• Different balance tasks may recruit similar brain regions but with varying activation levels due to distinct neural mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cortical activation patterns in the frontocentral region between platform translation and rotation balance tasks using electroencephalography (EEG).
• To investigate the modulatory effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on cortical activity during the platform translation task.

Main Methods:

• Twenty young adults performed standing balance tasks on a translating or rotating platform.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) measured frontocentral cortical activity (delta and alpha power).
• Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) was applied over the supplementary motor area (SMA) during the translation task.

Main Results:

• Platform translation elicited higher delta and lower alpha relative power in the frontocentral region compared to platform rotation.
• This suggests greater attentional and sensory integration demands for the translation task.
• cTBS over the SMA significantly reduced frontocentral delta activity during platform translation but did not affect alpha activity.

Conclusions:

• Direct comparison reveals distinct neural signatures for translation versus rotation balance tasks.
• Findings highlight the role of the SMA in modulating cortical activity during balance control.
• Results provide a foundation for developing neuro-interventions for balance improvement applicable across various tasks.