title: Large-scale cortical networks estimated from scalp EEG signals during performance of goal-directed motor tasks.
abstract: The evaluation of the topological properties of brain networks is an emergent research topic, since the estimated cerebral connectivity patterns often have relatively large size and complex structure. Since a graph is a mathematical representation of a network, the use of a theoretical graph approach would describe concisely the topological features of the functional brain connectivity network estimated using neuroimaging techniques. In the present study, we analyze the changes in brain synchronization networks using high-resolution EEG signals obtained during performance of a complex goal-directed visuomotor task. Our results show that the cortical network is more stable when subjects reach the goal than when they fail by hitting an obstacle. These findings suggest the presence of a possible cerebral "marker" for motor actions that result in successful reaching of a target.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Human Physiology Univ. of Rome "Sapienza", Italy. fabrizio.devicofallani@uniromal.it
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Vico Fallani
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Astolfi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cincotti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mattia
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Maglione
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vecchiato
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Toppi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Della Penna
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salinari
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Babiloni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zouridakis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult