Theta oscillations shift towards optimal frequency for cognitive control

Abstract

Abstract Cognitive control is supported by theta band (4-7Hz) neural oscillations coordinating neural populations for task implementation. Task performance has been shown to depend on theta amplitude but a second critical aspect of theta oscillations, its peak frequency, has mostly been overlooked. Using modelling, behavioral and electrophysiological recordings, we show that theta oscillations adapt to task demands by shifting towards the optimal frequency.