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EEG connectivity in functional brain networks supporting visuomotor integration processes in dominant and non-dominant hand movements
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  • Alessandra Calcagno ,
  • Stefania Coelli ,
  • Martina Corda ,
  • Federico Temporiti ,
  • Roberto Gatti ,
  • Manuela Galli ,
  • Anna Maria Bianchi
Alessandra Calcagno
Politecnico di Milano

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Stefania Coelli
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Martina Corda
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Federico Temporiti
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Roberto Gatti
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Manuela Galli
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Anna Maria Bianchi
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Abstract

Objective: To explore the changes in the organization of functional brain networks triggered by the execution of a visuo-motor integration task with the dominant and non-dominant hands, as revealed by noninvasive electroencephalographic recordings (EEG) at the sensors level. Methods: EEG data were acquired during the execution of the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) with the dominant and non-dominant hands on a group of 44 right-handed volunteers. Both spectral analysis and phase-based connectivity analysis were conducted in the Theta (ϑ), Mu ( )  and Beta (ß) bands. Moreover, the topological reorganization triggered by motor task execution was explored by means of Graph Theoretical Analysis (GTA). Results: Spectral analysis revealed an increase in the contribute of frontoparietal ϑ rhythm and a diffused reduction of µ and ß oscillations, regardless to the side of the body. Graph GTA showed that dominant hand movement is associated with a pronounced increase in ϑ degree and integration, especially in the Frontoparietal Network (FPN) and Attention Network (AN). The µ band was associated with a reduction of network links and integration. This result was more evident for the right-hand movement in the FPN and Sensorimotor Network (SMN), while similar trends were observed in the AN for the two hands. The ß band showed a movement-related decrease in network degree and integration, regardless of laterality and functional network. Furthermore, correlation analysis highlighted an association between frequency-specific topology measures to task performance for both hands. Conclusions: GTA allows for the identification of the main network organization changes associated with visuomotor integration processes. These changes are frequency-dependent and show different trends for the two sides of the body depending on the functional network. Significance: This study contributes to enhance the understanding of brain network modulations associated with visuo-motor integration tasks and experience-dependent motor abilities during motor execution