Time-frequency characterization of local field potential in a decision making task

This study seeks to characterize the neuronal mechanisms underlying voluntary decisions to check/verify. In order to describe and potentially decode decisions from brain signals we analyzed intracortical recordings from monkey prefrontal regions obtained during a cognitive task requiring self-initiated as well as cue-instructed decisions. Using local field potentials (LFP) and single units, we analyzed power spectral density, oscillatory modes, power profiles in time, single unit firing rate, and spike-phase relationships in the β band. Our results point toward specific but variable activation patterns of oscillations in β band from separate recordings, with task-dependent frequency preference and amplitude modulation of power. The results suggest relationships between particular LFP oscillations and functions engaged at specific time in the task.