Exploring Motor Imagery and Execution of Lower Limb Tasks: EEG Analysis during Transitions from Sitting to Standing

Abstract

Purpose: Motor Imagery (MI) and Motor Execution (ME) of the upper limbs have been extensively studied in the literature, whereas research on MI and ME of lower limb movements remains comparatively scarce, especially in tasks related to those involved in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as standing and sitting. Therefore, in this study, the temporal and frequency features of EEG signals recorded by healthy subjects with no previous experience in recording Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were analyzed. Methods: The roles of MI and ME were investigated in a paradigm based on standing and sitting transitions tasks guided by visual cues presented on a screen, by randomizing MI and ME. Sensorimotor Rhythms (SMR) were analyzed using power spectral modulation and Event Related Synchronization/Desynchronization (ERDS) features. Results: As a result, Alpha waves (7-13 Hz) are more discriminant between MI and ME than Beta waves (14-35 Hz). Significant differences were observed between the standing and sitting MI and ME groups. In addition, the sitting task was found to have higher power spectral than the standing task. Conclusion: EEG analyses during the evaluation of complex and natural tasks, such as standing and sitting in inexperienced subjects, could serve as a basis for more effective interventions. In addition, novel strategies for motor rehabilitation could be applied, as well as increasing the understanding of the Central Nervous System (CNS) related to standing and sitting transitions tasks.