Influence of the Source of Intention to Move on Readiness Potential of Brain Waves

Anticipating future events is an interesting topic discussed through generations. When it comes to human movement prediction a premotor brain activity, termed ‘readiness potential (RP), is highlighted. It is an upsurge in brain activity prior to a motor-related action which can be registered via scalp electroencephalography (EEG). In the current study we investigated the effect of self-generated intention to move versus externally triggered intention to move on readiness potential. This experiment was conducted on 12 subjects. EEG data was recorded under two major conditions; (1) subject makes a fist voluntarily and (2) subject makes a fist according to a random auditory stimulus. Simultaneous button presses were used as the markers to the points of physical movement. The occurrence of increase in brain activity relative to the physical movement was compared in both conditions. The results confirmed that there is a visible upsurge in the brain activity prior to motor activities which can be recognized as the readiness potentials. Results also showcased noteworthy differences in the behavior of RP, suggesting that the RP can get affected by the source of the intention to move. i.e. self-generated intention or externally triggered intention.