Brain network modulation in response to directional and Non-Directional Cues: Insights from EEG connectivity and graph theory

Objective: Directional cues have a profound impact on cognitive processes and behavior, and studying the involved brain networks can provide insights into their processing. This research aimed to investigate the neural network modulation associated with cognitive processing after the administration of directional cues using connectivity and graph theory. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled and underwent EEG recording while they were asked to perform a visuomotor task, such as directional (DS) and non-directional (nDS). From EEG data, network parameters such as Small-World (SW) and Lagged linear connectivity across different EEG frequency bands were evaluated, analyzing the response to DS and nDS. Results: The results revealed significant differences in the SW index, particularly in the Alpha 1 band, where participants exhibited a higher SW index when presented with DS compared to nDS. Moreover, the analysis of Alpha 1 band Lagged linear connectivity revealed close to statistically significant differences predominantly in the frontal and central regions. Conclusions: This research contributes to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the processing of directional cues. Significance: It has potential implications for rehabilitation settings, for example in the rehabilitation of visual dysfunction and motor impairment following a stroke, by optimizing cognitive processing to enhance functional outcomes.