Top-down predictions influence binocular rivalry through beta band rhythms: a qEEG-based investigation

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that top-down predictions modulate binocular rivalry perception, with increased beta band activity in visual cortices and reduced phase lag in frontal-visual channels, supporting beta rhythms as a signature of top-down communication.

Contribution

It provides electrophysiological evidence linking beta band rhythms to top-down predictions in conscious perception during binocular rivalry.

Findings

Beta power increases in primary visual cortices during predictive influence.

Reduced phase lag in frontal-visual channels when predictions are successful.

Beta rhythms may serve as signatures of top-down communication in the brain.

Abstract

Predictive coding theory suggests that conscious perception results from the interaction between top-down and bottom-up signals in the brain. However, the electrophysiological signatures of top-down predictions are not clear yet. Here, we cued subjects to expect a certain perceptual state in a binocular rivalry task and quantitatively analyzed their EEG signals during the cue period and prior to binocular rivalry task. We found that when predictions can successfully influence the perception of the rivalrous stimuli, the power of beta band rhythms increases in primary visual cortices and beta band phase lag in a frontal-visual homologous channel pair was notably diminished. Building upon earlier works, our findings suggest that beta rhythm is potentially considered as a signature of top-down communication in the brain.