Self-paced vs. cue-based motor task: The difference in cortical activity

In this study we compared EEG cortical activity during self-paced and cue-based execution of the identical motor task. We introduced quantitative measure of motor cortex excitability. Event Related Desynchronization/ Synchronization (ERD/ERS) were used to characterize cortical excitability during the task execution. Results obtained from seven healthy subjects are presented. Differences in cortical activity during self-paced versus cue-based tasks were observed in all subjects. Our results suggest that the presence of virtual cue may influence neural activity of the primary motor cortex, by increasing cortical excitability before and after the task execution.