Study of the reactivity of the μ rhythm during observation, auditory perception, and movement imitation: Correlation with empathic ability

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to study the reactivity of EEG mu-rhythm during observation, auditory perception and imitation of circular hand movements with a computer mouse, and its correlation with empathic ability of an individual. During observation of hand movements, we discovered a significant desynchronization of the mu rhythm in the hemisphere contralateral to the observed hand (electrode C3; a decrease by 6.9%). During auditory perception of the sounds of computer mouse movements (with eyes closed), we observed a significant decrease in the amplitude of the mu rhythm under electrodes C(z) (6.7%) and C3 (4.4%). During movement imitation, we discovered a decrease in the amplitude of the mu rhythm under electrodes C(z) (12.6%), C3 (23.2%) and C4 (16.7%). The result of self-assessment of empathic ability by the Questionnaire of Emotional Empathy of Mehrabian and Epstein was positively correlated (r = 0.47) with the averaged values of desynchronization of the mu rthythm under three central electrodes during auditory perception; during observation and imitation, no significant correlations were found. We suggest that empatic ability is more likely to correlate with the activity of "logically related" mirror neurons, than with that of "strictly congruent" ones.