Cortical network modulation during paced arm movements

In this paper we investigate task-related changes in brainfunctional connectivity (FC) by applying different methodsnamely event-related desynchronization (ERD), coherenceand graph-theoretical analysis to electroencephalographic(EEG) recordings. While ERD provides an estimate of thedifferences in power spectral densities between task and restconditions, coherence allows assessing the level of synchronizationbetween the recorded signals and graph analysisenables the estimation of the functional network topology.EEGs were recorded on 10 subjects during left/right armmovements. Conventional analysis showed a significant ERDin both alpha and beta bands over the sensorimotor cortex.Connectivity assessment highlighted that stronger connectionsare those involving the motor regions for which graphanalysis revealed reduced accessibility and an increased centralityduring the movement. This highlights that networkanalysis brings complementary knowledge with respect toestablished approaches for modeling motor-induced FC.