Unveiling neural coupling within the sensorimotor system

directionality and nonlinearity

Journal article (2017)

Authors

Y. Yang Northwestern University, Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
J.P.A. Dewald Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering , Northwestern University
F.C.T. van der Helm Northwestern University, Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
A.C. Schouten University of Twente, Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering , Northwestern University
Research Group
Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2017 Y. Yang, J.P.A. Dewald, F.C.T. van der Helm, A.C. Schouten
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.13692
Sensory feedback Cross-frequency coupling Sensorimotor system Corticomuscular interaction Granger causality
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Biomechanical Engineering

Research Group

Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control

Abstract

Neural coupling between the central nervous system and the periphery is essential for the neural control of movement. Corticomuscular coherence is a popular linear technique to assess synchronised oscillatory activity in the sensorimotor system. This oscillatory coupling originates from ascending somatosensory feedback and descending motor commands. However, corticomuscular coherence cannot separate this bidirectionality. Furthermore, the sensorimotor system is nonlinear, resulting in cross-frequency
coupling. Cross-frequency oscillations cannot be assessed nor exploited by linear measures. Here, we emphasise the need of novel coupling measures, which provide directionality and acknowledge nonlinearity, to unveil neural coupling in the sensorimotor system. We highlight recent advances in the field and argue that assessing directionality and nonlinearity of neural coupling
will break new ground in the study of the control of movement in healthy and neurologically impaired individuals.