Event-related desynchronization and synchronization. Reactivity of electrocortical rhythms in relation to the planning and execution of voluntary movement]

Cortical electroencephalographic rhythms reactivity may be quantified using event-related desynchronization (ERD) and synchronization (ERS) methods. We therefore studied cortical activation occurring during programming and performance of voluntary movement in healthy subjects. EEG power evolution within the reactive frequency bands (mu and beta central rhythms) was averaged before, during and after a minimum of 50 self-paced flexions of the thumb. Recordings in 18 normal adults showed that ERD (decrease in power) of mu rhythm started 2,000 ms before movement onset, while ERD of beta rhythm started 1,500 ms before movement onset. Early ERD of mu and beta rhythms were located over the contralateral central region covering primary motor cortex. They were followed by bilateral ERD occurring over ipsilateral and contralateral central regions during performance of the movement. At the end of the movement, an ERS (increase in power) of beta rhythm occurred. These results suggest that programming of voluntary movement induces early activation in contralateral sensorimotor areas, while performance of the movement induces bilateral activation in sensorimotor areas. ERS of beta rhythm occurring at the end of the movement could correspond to inactivation of motor areas activated by movement. Based on EEG activity, ERD and ERS prove to be useful methods to analyze cortical activation during programming and performance of voluntary movements with good spatial and temporal resolution.