Event-related synchronization (ERS) in the alpha band--an electrophysiological correlate of cortical idling: a review

Int J Psychophysiol. 1996 Nov;24(1-2):39-46. doi: 10.1016/s0167-8760(96)00066-9.

Abstract

EEG desynchronization is a reliable correlate of excited neural structures of activated cortical areas. EEG synchronization within the alpha band may be an electrophysiological correlate of deactivated cortical areas. Such areas are not processing sensory information or motor output and can be considered to be in an idling state. One example of such an idling cortical area is the enhancement of mu rhythms in the primary hand area during visual processing or during foot movement. In both circumstances, the neurons in the hand area are not needed for visual processing or preparation for foot movement. As a result of this, an enhanced hand area mu rhythm can be observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Rhythm*
  • Beta Rhythm
  • Cortical Synchronization
  • Electrophysiology
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Foot / physiology
  • Hand / physiology
  • Humans
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Movement / physiology
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Visual Perception / physiology