# Enhanced human sensorimotor integration via self-modulation of the somatosensory activity

## TL;DR

This study shows that neurofeedback training can improve human sensorimotor performance by modulating brain activity in the somatosensory cortex.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that short-term neurofeedback training induces functional reorganization in the somatosensory cortex.

## Key findings

- EEG neurofeedback improved self-modulation of SM1 neural oscillations within 30 minutes.
- S1 reorganization was confirmed by increased SEP amplitude.
- Improved touch-typing shows neurofeedback’s role in S1 reorganization for skill enhancement.

## Abstract

Motor performance improvement through self-modulation of brain activity has been demonstrated through neurofeedback. However, the sensorimotor plasticity induced through the training remains unclear. Here, we combined individually tailored closed-loop neurofeedback, neurophysiology, and behavioral assessment to characterize how the training can modulate the somatosensory system and improve performance. The real-time neurofeedback of human electroencephalogram (EEG) signals enhanced participants’ self-modulation ability of intrinsic neural oscillations in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) within 30 min. Further, the short-term reorganization in S1 was corroborated by the post-training changes in somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) amplitude of the early component from S1. Meanwhile those derived from peripheral and spinal sensory fibers were maintained (N9 and N13 components), suggesting that the training manipulated S1 activities. Behavioral evaluation demonstrated improved performance during keyboard touch-typing indexed by resolved speed-accuracy trade-off. Collectively, our results provide evidence that neurofeedback training induces functional reorganization of S1 and sensorimotor function.

•EEG neurofeedback improved self-modulation of SM1 neural oscillations within 30 min•S1 reorganization was confirmed by increased SEP amplitude•Improved touch-typing shows neurofeedback’s role in S1 reorganization for skill enhancement

EEG neurofeedback improved self-modulation of SM1 neural oscillations within 30 min

S1 reorganization was confirmed by increased SEP amplitude

Improved touch-typing shows neurofeedback’s role in S1 reorganization for skill enhancement

Neuroscience; Behavioral neuroscience; Cognitive neuroscience