Motor responses measured by brain electrical activity mapping.

Abstract

The brain electrical activity of right-handed normal subjects was studied while they were exposed to motor performance tasks that were of increasing difficulty. Each task lasted 45-60 s, and a 30-s period of each task was analyzed by a spectrum analyzer. Data are presented in topographic maps showing the electrical activity for each task, in delta (1-4 cycles [c]/s), alpha (8-12 c/s), and beta 2 (18-24 c/s). The results showed a bilateral decrease in amplitude in sensorimotor areas relative to baseline, for a single hand movement. Tasks that required the programming of movement showed baseline/task differences in amplitude in additional areas; the right frontal area, the prefrontal area, the posterior parietal area, and the left temporal area. The results obtained suggest that different topographical areas are involved in motor tasks that require increased level of programming.