Evidence for interhemispheric motor-level transfer in a simple reaction time task: an EEG study

Exp Brain Res. 1999 Sep;128(1-2):256-61. doi: 10.1007/s002210050846.

Abstract

Simple visuomanual reaction time tasks require interhemispheric communication when stimuli are presented in the hemifield opposite the responding hand. Although confirmed in many studies, it is still a matter of debate when, at what functional level and at what site this interhemispheric transfer takes place. To address these questions, we recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) in 12 healthy subjects performing such a task and analyzed the data using techniques based on topographic ERP map characteristics. A method which has proved useful for associating ERP map configurations of different time periods with functional states of the brain was supplemented by a source localization procedure. The results suggest that transfer occurs late in time, on a functional motor level and at frontal sites, at least for left-to-right interhemispheric direction of transfer.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Evoked Potentials, Motor / physiology*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology*
  • Reference Values