Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
How do neuronal connectivity and the dynamics of distributed brain networks process
information during bimanual coordination? Contemporary brain theories of cognitive
function posit spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal network reorganization as mechanisms
for neural information processing. In this dissertation, rhythmic bimanual coordination is
studied as a window into neural information processing and subsequently an investigation of
underlying network reorganization processes is performed. Spatiotemporal reorganization
between effectors (limbs) is parameterized in a theoretical model via a continuously varying
cross-talk parameter that represents neural connectivity. Thereby, effector dynamics during
coordinated behavior is shown to be influenced by the cross-talk parameter and time delays
involved in signal processing. In particular, stability regimes of coordination patterns
as a function of cross-talk, movement frequency and the time delays are derived. On the
methodological front , spatiotemporal reorganization of neural masses are used to simulate
electroencephalographic data. A suitable choice of experimental control conditions is used
to derive a paradigmatic framework called Mode Level Cognitive Subtraction (MLCS) which
is demonstrated to facilitate the disambiguation between spatial and temporal components
of the reorganization processes to a quantifiable degree of certainty. In the experimental
section, MLCS is applied to electroencephalographic recordings during rhythmic bimanual
task conditions and unimanual control conditions. Finally, a classification of reorganization
processes is achieved for differing stability states of coordination: inphase (mirror) primarily
entails temporal reorganization of sensorimotor networks localized during unimanual
movement whereas spatiotemporal reorganization is involved during antiphase (parallel)
coordination.
information during bimanual coordination? Contemporary brain theories of cognitive
function posit spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal network reorganization as mechanisms
for neural information processing. In this dissertation, rhythmic bimanual coordination is
studied as a window into neural information processing and subsequently an investigation of
underlying network reorganization processes is performed. Spatiotemporal reorganization
between effectors (limbs) is parameterized in a theoretical model via a continuously varying
cross-talk parameter that represents neural connectivity. Thereby, effector dynamics during
coordinated behavior is shown to be influenced by the cross-talk parameter and time delays
involved in signal processing. In particular, stability regimes of coordination patterns
as a function of cross-talk, movement frequency and the time delays are derived. On the
methodological front , spatiotemporal reorganization of neural masses are used to simulate
electroencephalographic data. A suitable choice of experimental control conditions is used
to derive a paradigmatic framework called Mode Level Cognitive Subtraction (MLCS) which
is demonstrated to facilitate the disambiguation between spatial and temporal components
of the reorganization processes to a quantifiable degree of certainty. In the experimental
section, MLCS is applied to electroencephalographic recordings during rhythmic bimanual
task conditions and unimanual control conditions. Finally, a classification of reorganization
processes is achieved for differing stability states of coordination: inphase (mirror) primarily
entails temporal reorganization of sensorimotor networks localized during unimanual
movement whereas spatiotemporal reorganization is involved during antiphase (parallel)
coordination.
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