https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-023-01058-2
Regular Article
Characteristics of the specific brain functional network correlate with the latency of motor imagery
1
Coordinating Center for Fundamental Research, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 10 Petroverigsky per., 101990, Moscow, Russia
2
Neurodynamics and Cognitive Technology Laboratory, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Avenue), 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
3
Baltic Center for Artificial Intelligence and Neurotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 14 Alexander Nevsky Street, 236016, Kaliningrad, Russia
Received:
13
August
2023
Accepted:
24
November
2023
Published online:
11
December
2023
Motor imagery is a widely used technique in neurophysiological research and brain–computer interface applications for restoring lost motor functions. This study aimed to analyze the neural correlates of motor imagery at the level of brain functional networks using electroencephalography (EEG). Thirty subjects performed motor executions, quasi-movements, and imaginary movements while EEG data were recorded. We explored the correlation between the latency of motor imagery and the characteristics of brain functional networks in the alpha- and beta-frequency ranges. The analysis revealed a number of nodes within the network whose local cluster coefficients negatively correlated with the time of motor imagination onset. This indicates that a decrease in the corresponding networks metrics would lead to improved rate of motor imagination. These nodes were predominantly located in the frontal cortex, parietal, and temporal lobes. The identified nodes, particularly the Frontal Mid L zone, hold promise as potential targets for non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation. Stimulating these areas may enhance motor imagination ability and facilitate the rehabilitation process, especially for stroke patients with severe motor impairment.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
