Dynamic functional coupling of high resolution EEG potentials related to unilateral internally triggered one-digit movements

Between-electrode cross-covariances of delta (0–3 Hz)- and theta (4–7 Hz)-filtered high resolution EEG potentials related to preparation, initiation, and execution of human unilateral internally triggered one-digit movements were computed to investigate statistical dynamic coupling between these potentials. Significant (P<0.05, Bonferroni-corrected) cross-covariances were calculated between electrodes of lateral and median scalp regions. For both delta- and theta-bandpassed potentials, covariance modeling indicated a shifting functional coupling between contralateral and ipsilateral frontal-central-parietal scalp regions and between these two regions and the median frontal-central scalp region from the preparation to the execution of the movement (P<0.05). A maximum inward functional coupling of the contralateral with the ipsilateral frontal-central-parietal scalp region was modeled during the preparation and initiation of the movement, and a maximum outward functional coupling during the movement execution. Furthermore, for theta-bandpassed potentials, rapidly oscillating inward and outward relationships were modeled between the contralateral frontal-central-parietal scalp region and the median frontal-central scalp region across the preparation, initiation, and execution of the movement. We speculate that these cross-covariance relationships might reflect an oscillating dynamic functional coupling of primary sensorimotor and supplementary motor areas during the planning, starting, and performance of unilateral movement. The involvement of these cortical areas is supported by the observation that averaged spatially enhanced delta- and theta-bandpassed potentials were computed from the scalp regions where task-related electrical activation of primary sensorimotor areas and supplementary motor area was roughly represented.