Can the occipital alpha‐phase speed up visual detection through a real‐time EEG‐based brain–computer interface (BCI)?. (3rd November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vigué‐Guix, Irene; Morís Fernández, Luis; Torralba Cuello, Mireia; Ruzzoli, Manuela; Soto‐Faraco, Salvador
• Other Names: Keitel Christian guestEditor.; Ruxxoli Manuela guestEditor.; Dugué Laura guestEditor.; Busch Niko A. guestEditor.; Benwell Christopher SY guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 55:Number 11/12(2022)
• Page Start: 3224
• Page End: 3240
• Publication Date: 2020-11-03
• Subjects: alpha -- brain–computer interface -- electroencephalography -- oscillations -- phase -- real time -- response time -- visual perception; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14931
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

Abstract: Electrical brain oscillations reflect fluctuations in neural excitability. Fluctuations in the alpha band (α, 8–12 Hz) in the occipito‐parietal cortex are thought to regulate sensory responses, leading to cyclic variations in visual perception. Inspired by this theory, some past and recent studies have addressed the relationship between α‐phase from extra‐cranial EEG and behavioural responses to visual stimuli in humans. The latest studies have used offline approaches to confirm α‐gated cyclic patterns. However, a particularly relevant implication is the possibility to use this principle online, whereby stimuli are time‐locked to specific α‐phases leading to predictable outcomes in performance. Here, we aimed at providing a proof of concept for such real‐time neurotechnology. Participants performed a speeded response task to visual targets that were presented upon a real‐time estimation of the α‐phase via an EEG closed‐loop brain–computer interface (BCI). According to the theory, we predicted a modulation of reaction times (RTs) along the α‐cycle. Our BCI system achieved reliable trial‐to‐trial phase locking of stimuli to the phase of individual occipito‐parietal α‐oscillations. Yet, the behavioural results did not support a consistent relation between RTs and the phase of the α‐cycle neither at group nor at single participant levels. We must conclude that although the α‐phase might play a role in perceptual decisions from a theoretical perspective, its impact on EEG‐based BCI application appears negligible. Abstract : According to the α‐theories, visual sensitivity fluctuates with posterior alpha oscillations. We sought proof of applicability by measuring reaction times (RTs) to visual targets time‐locked to the α‐cycle using a real‐time electroencephalography (EEG)‐based brain–computer interface (BCI). Stimuli time locking to the α‐cycle was successful, but RTs were not correlated with the α‐phase. Although α‐phase might play a role in the speed of visual processing from a theoretical perspective, we conclude that its potential impact for EEG‐based BCI appears negligible.