Quantitative Electroencephalography and Surface Electromyography Correlations upon Predictable and Unpredictable Perturbation in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND

Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) is a non-invasive method used to quantify electrical activity over the cortex. QEEG provides an accurate temporal resolution of the brain activity, making it a useful tool for assessing cortical function during challenging tasks.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate postural adjustments in older adults in response to an external perturbation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this observational study, nineteen healthy older adults were involved. A 32-channel qEEG was employed to track alterations in beta power on the electrodes over the two sensory-motor areas. Integrated electromyographic activity (IntEMG) of the leg muscles was evaluated in response to perturbations under predictable and unpredictable conditions.

RESULTS

The results indicated higher beta power during late-phase in the Cz electrode in both conditions. IntEMG was significantly greater in the tibialis anterior muscle during both conditions in the CPA epoch. In predictable condition, a positive correlation was found between the beta power over C (r = 0.560, p = 0.013) and C (r = 0.458, p = 0.048) electrodes and tibialis anterior muscle amplitude, and between beta power in C and gastrocnemius amplitude (r = 0.525, p = 0.021). In unpredictable condition, there was a positive correlation between beta power over the C and the tibialis anterior amplitude (r = 0.580, p = 0.009) and also it over the C and the tibialis anterior amplitude (r = 0.452, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that sensorimotor processing occurs in the brain during response to perturbation. Furthermore, cortical activity appeared to be greatest during the recruitment of the muscles upon late-phase in older adults.