EEG Study of the Influence of Imagined Temperature Sensations on Neuronal Activity in the Sensorimotor Cortex

TL;DR

This study shows that imagining temperature sensations activates sensorimotor cortex similarly to actual thermal stimulation, with EEG mu-rhythm desynchronization indicating neural engagement relevant for BCI and neurorehabilitation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that imagined temperature sensations produce significant sensorimotor cortex activity comparable to real thermal stimuli, expanding understanding of sensory imagery in neuroscience.

Findings

Mu-ERD observed during both thermal stimulation and imagery.

No significant difference in ERD magnitude between actual and imagined stimuli.

ERD during both conditions significantly differs from resting baseline.

Abstract

Understanding the neural correlates of sensory imagery is crucial for advancing cognitive neuroscience and developing novel Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) paradigms. This study investigated the influence of imagined temperature sensations (ITS) on neural activity within the sensorimotor cortex. The experimental study involved the evaluation of neural activity using electroencephalography (EEG) during both real thermal stimulation (TS: 40{\deg}C Hot, 20{\deg}C Cold) applied to the participants' hand, and the mental temperature imagination (ITS) of the corresponding hot and cold sensations. The analysis focused on quantifying the event-related desynchronization (ERD) of the sensorimotor mu-rhythm (8-13 Hz). The experimental results revealed a characteristic mu-ERD localized over central scalp regions (e.g., C3) during both TS and ITS conditions. Although the magnitude of mu-ERD during ITS was slightly lower than during TS, this difference was not statistically significant (p>.05). However, ERD during both ITS and TS was statistically significantly different from the resting baseline (p<.001). These findings demonstrate that imagining temperature sensations engages sensorimotor cortical mechanisms in a manner comparable to actual thermal perception. This insight expands our understanding of the neurophysiological basis of sensory imagery and suggests the potential utility of ITS for non-motor BCI control and neurorehabilitation technologies.