title: EEG correlates of action observation in humans.
abstract: To investigate electrophysiological correlates of action observation electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded while participants observed repetitive biological (human) or non-biological movements (at a rate of 2 Hz). Steady-state evoked potentials were analyzed and their neural sources were investigated using low resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis (LORETA). Results revealed significantly higher activation in the primary motor and premotor cortex, supplementary motor area as well as the posterior parietal cortices during observation of biological movements, supporting mirror properties of cortical motor neurons. In addition interregional communication was analyzed. Increased coherence for distributed networks at delta (0.5-4 Hz) and lower alpha (8-10 Hz) frequencies were obtained suggesting integration and functional coupling between the activated cortical regions during human action observation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Elisa Mira
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Holz
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Doppelmayr
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Klimesch
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sauseng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000379:methods; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult