Electrophysiological evidence for the effect of tactile temporal prediction

Abstract

Predicting the timing of incoming information allows the brain to optimize information processing in dynamic environments. Temporal predictions have been shown to facilitate processing of events at predicted time points. Little is still known about how temporal predictions based on rhythm are neurally implemented and affect performance in tactile modality. Here, we manipulated the interstimulus interval to examine the mechanisms underlying the tactile temporal predictions. Using event-related potential (ERPs) technology, we looked at the effect of temporal prediction on tactile processing. At predicted time points, the temporal predictions led to attenuation of N1 component, enhancement of P2 component. Crucially, these electrophysiological modulations were obtained in tactile modality. The current research demonstrates that rhythms can drive temporal prediction, affecting early and late stages of tactile neural processing.