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Cortical Beta Oscillations Contributing to Precision Stepping at Gait Initiation
Yuji Nishioka1,2, Tatsuya Kokabu1,3, Manami Hada2
1Department of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima International University, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Beta-band cortical activity (β-ERD) in the sensorimotor cortex is crucial for precise stepping during gait initiation. Enhanced β-ERD during preparation correlates with improved step accuracy, highlighting its role in motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Gait Biomechanics
Background:
- Precision step control is vital for stable locomotion, particularly during gait initiation.
- The central nervous system's role in regulating precise foot placement requires further elucidation.
- Event-related desynchronization (ERD) in alpha and beta bands reflects cortical activity during motor tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sensorimotor cortex activity and precision stepping during gait initiation.
- To examine the role of beta-band event-related desynchronization (β-ERD) in step accuracy.
- To assess the impact of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on β-ERD and step accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Measured electroencephalography (EEG) event-related desynchronization (ERD) in alpha and beta bands during normal and precision gait initiation tasks in healthy adults.
- Experiment 2: Applied 30-Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to the primary motor cortex to modulate β-ERD and evaluated effects on step accuracy.
- Analyzed β-ERD at Fz, Cz, and Pz during planning, preparation, and swing phases; correlated β-ERD with step accuracy.
Main Results:
- Greater β-ERD was observed during the preparation phase of the precision task compared to the control task.
- Reduced β-ERD at the Cz electrode significantly correlated with improved step accuracy.
- Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) did not significantly alter β-ERD or step accuracy, nor did it correlate with changes in accuracy.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between beta-band cortical activity in the sensorimotor cortex and the ability to perform precise steps.
- Beta-band oscillations play a significant role in the neural mechanisms underlying precision stepping during gait initiation.
- Further research is needed to understand the modulatory effects of tACS on precision gait control.
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