Electrophysiological analysis of the perception of passive movement

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.