Brain activity in the three different situations related to a coincidence anticipation timing task

Abstract

  In the present study, we attempted to clarify the brain activity three different situations involved in a coincidence anticipation timing task using a downward moving visual target. The subjects were ten healthy adult males. All the subjects were right-handed. The tasks consisted of a non-coincidence anticipation timing task as the control task and a coincidence anticipation timing task using a downward moving visual target. Both tasks were carried out on a computer display. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from electrodes placed at 128 sites on the subjects’ scalp. The EEG was analyzed by fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis. In addition, the beta components (13-30Hz) were each compared for the three situations on 18 sites, based on the international 10-20 system without Cz between the control task and the coincidence anticipation timing task.

  The results showed that the beta component increased significantly in the visible situation at F3, T3 and T5, in the first half of the masking situation at F8, T3, P3 and T5, in the second half of the masking situation at T3. Also the beta component significantly decreased in the first half of the masking situation at Fp1 and Fp2. These results of a comparison between the two tasks, suggest that memorization about the shape and velocity of a visual target in the visible situation, and retrieval of the shape and velocity of a visual target in the masking situation involved with the execution of the coincidence anticipation timing task using a downward moving visual target.