Interhemispheric interaction in children of 7-8: analysis of EEG coherence and finger tapping parameters

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Interhemispheric interaction (IHI) is crucial for coordinated motor control.
• Understanding IHI in children provides insights into brain development and callosal function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate IHI in 7-8-year-old children using electroencephalography (EEG).
• To determine if EEG alpha band coherence can serve as an index of IHI during rhythmic tapping tasks.

Main Methods:

• EEG data were collected from 42 children performing unimanual and bimanual rhythmic tapping.
• Interhemispheric alpha band coherence (Coh) was analyzed across various electrode pairs.
• The difference in intertap intervals between left and right hand movements served as a measure of IHI.

Main Results:

• Interhemispheric alpha coherence increased significantly during bimanual rhythmic tapping tasks.
• This increase was localized to the C3/C4 and P3/P4 electrode regions.
• Alpha coherence in these regions negatively correlated with the intertap interval differences, indicating better IHI.

Conclusions:

• EEG alpha band coherence is a valid index of interhemispheric interaction during bimanual rhythmic tapping in children.
• Bimanual tapping tasks may better reflect callosal function compared to unimanual tasks.
• Findings support the hypothesis linking bimanual coordination to interhemispheric communication.