An
EEG
‐Based Graph Theory Study of Functional Brain Networks During In‐Phase and Anti‐Phase Bimanual Hand Movements
Akira Noguchi, Daisuke Ishii, Satoshi Yamamoto, Kiyoshige Ishibashi, Kenya Tanamachi, Yutaka Kohno ABSTRACT
Background
Bimanual hand movements are essential for daily activities, and motor impairment after central nervous system disorders such as stroke often disrupts the ability to perform coordinated actions.
Aim
This study aimed to characterize functional brain network differences associated with anti‐phase bimanual movements, using in‐phase movements as a control condition.
Methods
Ten healthy participants performed in‐phase and anti‐phase movements while we quantified their EEG signals with three graph theory parameters (degree, cluster coefficient [CC], and betweenness centrality [BC]).
Results
Although statistical comparisons showed no significant differences, effect‐size analyses revealed distinct functional network patterns during anti‐phase movements. Anti‐phase movements were associated with large effect‐size increases in alpha‐band degree and CC within the left frontal region, and in beta‐band degree and CC within central areas. Additionally, BC in the alpha band showed large effect‐size increases in the left frontal and parietal regions. In contrast, in‐phase movements showed effect‐size increases primarily in posterior regions for the alpha band and in frontal–temporal regions for the beta band.
Conclusion
Our results could support the emerging hypothesis that local beta‐band connections of the central area in the brain might play an important role in executing anti‐phase bimanual movement.