Electrophysiological analysis of the perception of passive movement

Highlights ► Maximum activation was observed in Broadman area 6 (precentral gyrus). ► 3 s before pressing button a clear and prolonged decrease in signal magnitude. ► The activity at F4, C3, and C4 occurred in the alpha and beta (8–30 Hz). ► There was a decrease in magnitude in the parietal region of the left hemisphere. Abstract The goal of the present study was to determine the electrophysiological correlate of the threshold of perception of passive motion (TPPM) in a group of healthy individuals. We expect a different pattern of activation over the frontoparietal network produced by the conscious perception of the passive movement. Ten right-handed male volunteers, between 20 and 30 years of age, were submitted to the threshold of perception of passive motion (TPPM) task in a proprioception testing device (PTD). The device was designed to passively move the arm in internal and external rotations about the shoulder joint. Participants were instructed to press a hand-held switch every time movement of the shoulder was detected. Electromyographic (EMG) and electroencephalographic (EEG) activities were acquired during the task. Passive movement of the shoulder joint was followed by a clear and prolonged decrease in the signal magnitude of the electroencephalogram. The electrophysiological correlate of the TPPM was characterized by the establishment of a frontoparietal network, during the processing of somatosensory information. Keywords qEEG Proprioception Passive movement Perception