Abstract
In this experiment we investigated the neural correlates of visuomotor integration by recording whole head MEG from 15 participants during a tracking task. On each trial participants observed a moving target on a screen, with a less than fully predictable trajectory, using stimuli adapted from Miall and Jackson (2006: Experimental Brain Research).
A 2×2 within-subjects design was used, with one factor of hand movement and one of eye movement. For the eye movement factor participants either fixated centrally or tracked the target with their eyes and for the hand movement factor either rested their hands or used their right hand to control a joystick to track the target.
Our results showed bilateral beta desynchronization and contralateral gamma synchronization in the motor cortex, in the manual tracking conditions, which was strongest in the combined manual/visual tracking condition. Gamma synchronization was also observed in the visual cortex and this was correlated with behavioural measures of performance.
We discuss these results in relation to van der Werf, Jensen, Fries, and Medendorp's (2008: Journal of Neuroscience) detection of event-related gamma synchronization in the motor cortex during delayed saccades; and we discuss further the relationship between neural activity and the behavioural strategies adopted by participants in the task.