EEG connectivity in functional brain networks supporting visuomotor integration processes in dominant and non-dominant hand movements

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the changes in the organization of functional brain networks induced by performing a visuomotor integration task, as revealed by noninvasive spontaneous electroencephalographic traces (EEG). Approach: EEG data were acquired during the execution of the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) with the dominant and non-dominant hands in a group of 44 right-handed volunteers. Both spectral analysis and phase-based connectivity analysis were performed in the Theta (ϑ), Mu (μ) and Beta (ß) bands. Graph Theoretical Analysis (GTA) was also performed to investigate the topological reorganization induced by motor task execution. Main results: Spectral analysis revealed an increase of frontoparietal ϑ power and a spatially diffused reduction of µ and ß contribution, regardless of the hand used. GTA showed a significant increase in network integration induced by movement with the dominant limb compared to baseline in the ϑ band. The µ and ß bands were associated with a reduction in network integration during the NHPT. In the µ rhythm, this result was more evident for the right-hand movement, while in the ß band, results did not show dependence on the laterality. Finally, correlation analysis highlighted an association between frequency-specific topology measures and task performance for both hands. Significance: Our results show that functional brain networks reorganize during visually guided movements in a frequency-dependent manner, differently depending on the hand used (dominant/non dominant).