Graph theory-based EEG source connectivity for assessing biomechanical performance in transfemoral amputees with vibrotactile feedback.

Abstract

Recent research has shown that the complex and dynamic behaviour of isolated regions is necessary for the proper functioning of the human brain. To this end, network neuroscience evaluates the neural channels that respond to diverse motor tasks and assesses the brain’s functionality. However, the utilization of network neuroscience has not been done to map out the cortical sources in lower limb amputee’s postural control. Our earlier research shows that transfemoral amputees’ fronto-central region and secondary somatosensory cortex have substantial functional connections while they are balancing with vibrotactile feedback. In this work, we advanced to investigate the cortical sources of transfemoral amputee’s postural stability improvement with vibrotactile feedback. The results highlight the predominance of cortical sources in frontal and parietal lobe in alpha frequency band. The observation shows the connectivity of left superiorparietal, lateralorbitofrontal and right rostranteriorcingulate, supramarginal, and inferiorparietal sources. Moreover, the node strength of these cortical sources significantly changes (p<0.05, ANOVA) with the effect of feedback and visual input. In future, it could be interesting to develop some neural feedback techniques intended to improve the postural performance of lower limb amputees by making these cortical sources more adaptable via local stimulation techniques.