User Tutorial:Introduction to the Mu Rhythm

In awake people, primary sensory or motor cortical areas typically display rhythmic EEG activity with a base frequency of 8-12 Hz when they are not engaged in processing sensory input or producing motor output [38, 56, 35] (reviewed in [97]). This idling activity, called mu rhythm when recorded over sensorimotor cortex and visual alpha rhythm when recorded over visual cortex, is thought to be produced by thalamocortical circuits [97]. Unlike the visual alpha rhythm, which is obvious in a large majority of normal people, the mu rhythm was until quite recently thought to occur in only a minority of people [12]. However, computer-based analyses have shown that the mu rhythm is present in a large majority of adults [100, 99]. Such analyses have also shown that mu rhythm activity comprises a variety of different 8-12 Hz rhythms, distinguished from each other by precise location, precise frequency, and/or typical relationship to concurrent sensory input or motor output.

Behavioral Properties

Several factors suggest that mu rhythm activity could be a good carrier for BCI-based communication. These rhythms are associated with those cortical areas that are most directly connected to the brain's normal motor output channels. Movement or preparation for movement is typically accompanied by a decrease in mu activity over sensorimotor cortex, particularly contralateral to the movement. This decrease has been labeled "event-related desynchronization" or ERD by Pfurtscheller (reviewed in [99]). Its opposite, rhythm increase, or "event-related synchronization" (ERS) occurs in the post-movement period and with relaxation [99]. Furthermore, and most relevant for BCI applications, ERD and ERS occur also with motor imagery (i.e., imagined movement); they do not require actual movement [104, 83]. Thus, they can occur independent of activity in the brain's normal output channels of peripheral nerves and muscles, and could serve as the basis for a BCI.

Examples of mu/beta rhythm signals (modified from [119]). A,B: Topographical distribution on the scalp of the difference (measured as r2 (the proportion of the single-trial variance that is due to the task)), calculated for actual (A) and imagined (B) right-hand movements and rest for a 3-Hz band centered at 12 Hz. C: Example voltage spectra for a different subject and a location over left sensorimotor cortex (i.e., C3 (see [127])) for comparing rest (dashed line) and imagery (solid line). D: Corresponding $r^2$ spectrum for rest vs. imagery. Signal modulations are focused over sensorimotor cortex and in the mu- and beta-rhythm frequency bands.

Physical Properties

• Origin in the sensorimotor cortex
• Arc-shaped, periodic wave form, corresponding to a line spectrum with a strong first harmonic
• Dipolar source character, connection with cortical surface
• Typical scalp potential distributions

BCI Construction

• By imagination of movement, a human subject can wilfully influence the amplitude of her/his mu rhythm. Continuous feedback of mu rhythm amplitude can help improve this natural ability by selective reinforcement of successful strategies.
• Much like a historic AM radio receiver, a mu rhythm BCI treats the mu rhythm as a carrier signal with information impressed on it by amplitude modulation.
• BCI operation consists of
  • spatial selection (spatial filter <-> directional antenna)
  • frequency selection (classifier <-> tuning wheel)
  • carrier demodulation (spectral amplitude <-> rectifier diode)

Practical Aspects

• How to localize the motor cortex with the help of an EEG cap
• Suggested movement imagination

Next Step

As a next step, learn how to set up an EEG measurement.

See also

User Tutorial:Mu Rhythm BCI Tutorial