Spontaneous network transitions predict somatosensory perception

TL;DR

The brain's spontaneous activity before a stimulus can predict how we perceive touch, with specific network transitions linked to correct or incorrect perceptions.

Contribution

This study shows that whole-brain spontaneous network transitions before a stimulus influence tactile perception, revealing new insights into perceptual decision-making.

Findings

Transitions to a frontal and multifrequency network are linked to correct tactile perception.

Incorrect percepts are associated with transitions to an alpha-parietal network.

Faster brain network switches before stimulus presentation correlate with better perception.

Abstract

Sensory perception is essential for transforming incoming information in the brain into targeted behavior. Our brains are everlastingly active, and variations in perception are ubiquitously associated with human behavioral performance. Previous studies indicate that changes in spontaneous neural activity within local sensory areas correlate with the perception of ambiguous stimuli. However, the contribution of whole brain spontaneous networks to perception is not well understood. Using an ambiguous tactile temporal discrimination task, we demonstrate that the interaction between whole-brain networks in the seconds of the spontaneous prestimulus period also contributes to perception during the task. Transitions to a frontal and a multifrequency network across the brain are essential for the correct percept. Conversely, incorrect percepts are mainly preceded by transitions to an alpha-parietal network. Brain switches occur faster during the period before stimulus presentation for correct stimuli detection, suggesting the need for enhanced network flexibility during this phase.

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