Unveiling neural coupling within the sensorimotor system
directionality and nonlinearity
Y. Yang (TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control, Northwestern University)
JPA Dewald (Northwestern University, TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control)
Frans C.T. Van Der Helm (TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control, Northwestern University)
Alfred C. Schouten (Northwestern University, University of Twente, TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control)
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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.
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