Electroencephalographic Evaluation of Adaptation to Movement Using a Finger Flexion and Extension Assist Device

-a Pilot Study-

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) data during finger movements using a finger flexion and extension assist device and to explore indicators related to motor adaptation. Eight healthy young adult males (mean age 22.0±6.2 years) participated in the study. Participants performed right-hand finger flexion and extension movements while wearing the assist device under two conditions: an assisted condition and a voluntary condition. Frequency component and coherence analyses were conducted on EEG data recorded from channels corresponding to the left prefrontal cortex (F7) and left primary motor cortex (C3). Results showed a significant increase in β -band coherence between F7 and C3 during the assisted condition (p＜0.05). In the voluntary condition, a significant negative correlation was observed between the β/θ ratio at F7 and the coherence values (p＜0.05). These findings suggest that during movements using the assist device, functional connectivity between relevant brain regions increases during the initial adaptation phase and may decrease as movements become more automated.