Brain waves can predict errors

According to a new study, a pronounced alpha wave appears in two areas of the brain before the subject makes an error due to lack of attention.

From pouring a cup of coffee to not noticing the stop sign, anyone occasionally makes a mistake due to lack of attention. A research team led by a scientist at the University of California, Davis, in collaboration with the Donders Academy in the Netherlands, discovered a clear electrical signal in the brain, anticipating a similar error. prepare to happen.

This finding may be useful in many applications, from developing control devices that can warn traffic controllers that their focus is diminishing, to build new strategies to help children. She faces attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study is published online in the March 23 issue of Human Brain Mapping, part of a special issue that highlights innovations in brain imaging technology.

The brain's response to negligence and mistakes have long been the subject of many studies. Ali Mazaheri, a brain and mind researcher at the UC Davis Center, said : 'What we look for is the state of the brain before an error occurs, because that tells us what. forming that error '.

Working with colleagues at Donders Academy on Brain, Perception and Behavior at Radboud University, where he conducted his PhD, Mazaheri recruited 14 students into his research. When they did the tests that needed concentration, Mazaheri recorded their brain activity using magnetoencephalography MEG - a similar brainwave recording tool, but more sensitive than electroencephalography (EEG), the technique commonly used. in sickness to detect stroke.

Ole Jensen, neuroscientist modeled the MEG machine of the Donders Academy. With the help of this machine, Jensen, Ali Mazeheri (now UC Davis) and colleagues discovered a marked alpha wave cycle that occurs in the brain when people perform tests that require high concentration. . (Photo: Donders Academy).

The test, known as 'sustained attention-grabbing response' , was developed in the 1990s to assess brain damage, ADHD and other neurological disorders. Participants sitting in front of the computer for an hour, a random number from 1 to 9 will appear on the screen every 2 seconds. The request is to type a key when any number other than number 5 appears.

The test was too boring, Mazaheri said, making 40% of the number 5 appear, the objects also automatically type a key.

By analyzing the recorded MEG data, the team found that a second before these errors occur, brain waves in two regions are stronger when the objects stop themselves from typing. In the back of the head, alpha wave activity is 25% stronger, and in the middle, the brain region perceives and moves, the brain's mu wave activity is also increased.

Mazehari explains: 'Alpha and mu waves are what happen when the brain is idle. For example, you are sitting in the room and closing your eyes. This makes the alpha wave in the back area stronger. But as soon as you open it, it falls quickly again, because you are looking at objects and neurons with images to process. '

The team also found that errors also cause changes in wave activity in the anterior part of the brain, which reduces alpha activity in the posterior brain region. Mazaheri said: 'It's like a brain warning' Attention! ' then reduce the possibility of another error continuing. '

It doesn't take too long to incorporate these findings into practical applications. For example, a wireless EEG can be used at an air traffic control station to issue warnings when it detects that alpha wave activity exceeds a certain level.

It may also provide new therapies for children with ADHD, Mazaheri said, 'instead of observing behavior - how to measure concentration incorrectly - we can control alpha waves. From there we can design therapies as well as evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments'.

Participants included Ingrid Nieuwenhuis, Hanneke van Dijk and Ole Jensen, of the Donders Academy.

Refer:
Ali Mazaheri, Ingrid LC Nieuwenhuis, Hanneke van Dijk, Ole Jensen.Prestimulus alpha and mu activity predicts failure to inhibit motor responses.Human Brain Mapping, 2009;NA DOI: 10.1002 / hbm.20763