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Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses
Published on: January 7, 2019
Neural responses to sensorimotor conflict in an embodied agency task
Reina van der Goot1, Amit Regev Krugwasser2, Geffen Markusfeld2
1Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Department of Cognitive Science, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
Summary
This study investigated the neural basis of the sense of agency (SoA) using EEG. Sensorimotor conflicts reduced self-attribution and were linked to specific brainwave patterns, revealing a temporal progression in agency processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- The sense of agency (SoA) is crucial for self-perception and interaction with the environment.
- Neural mechanisms underlying SoA, involving implicit sensorimotor and explicit higher-level processes, remain unclear.
- Understanding SoA is vital for cognitive and clinical neuroscience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of sensorimotor conflicts within an agency paradigm.
- To examine brain activity related to discrepancies between predicted and perceived sensory feedback.
- To explore the temporal dynamics of neural responses associated with SoA.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electroencephalography (EEG) with time-frequency analysis and Multivariate Pattern Analysis (MVPA).
- Employed a virtual reality paradigm to manipulate visual feedback during finger movements.
- Recorded brain activity while participants experienced varying degrees of visuomotor conflict.
Main Results:
- Visuomotor conflicts decreased self-attribution and correlated with increased alpha-band power.
- Exploratory analysis indicated increased theta-band power during sensorimotor conflicts.
- Sensorimotor alteration trials were decoded with 68% accuracy ~200 ms post-movement onset.
Conclusions:
- Neural patterns for sensorimotor conflicts show a temporal progression from early, specific responses to later, general components.
- Findings support a two-step model of agency, differentiating early sensorimotor and later cognitive processes.
- EEG and MVPA effectively identified neural signatures of disrupted agency.
