Individual differences in beta-band oscillations predict motor-inhibitory control.

OBJECTIVE

The ability of motor-inhibitory control is critical in daily life. The physiological mechanisms underlying motor inhibitory control deficits remain to be elucidated. Beta band oscillations have been suggested to be related to motor performance, but whether they relate to motor-inhibitory control remains unclear. This study is aimed at systematically investigating the relationship between beta band oscillations and motor-inhibitory control to determine whether beta band oscillations were related to the ability of motor-inhibitory control.

METHODS

We studied 30 healthy young adults (age: 21.6 ± 1.5 years). Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) was derived from stop signal task, indicating the ability of motor-inhibitory control. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded for 12 min. Beta band power and functional connectivity (including global efficiency) were calculated. Correlations between beta band oscillations and SSRT were performed.

RESULTS

Beta band EEG power in left and right motor cortex (MC), right somatosensory cortex (SC), and right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) was positively correlated with SSRT ('s = 0.031, 0.021, 0.045, and 0.015, respectively). Beta band coherence between bilateral MC, SC, and IFC was also positively correlated with SSRT ('s < 0.05). Beta band global efficiency was positively correlated with SSRT ( = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to investigate the relationship between resting-state cortical beta oscillations and response inhibition. Our findings revealed that individuals with better ability of motor inhibitory control tend to have less cortical beta band power and functional connectivity. This study has clinical significance on the underlying mechanisms of motor inhibitory control deficits.