Cortical dynamics underlying initiation of rapid steps with contrasting postural demands

Our ability to flexibly initiate rapid visually-guided stepping movements can be measured in the form of express visuomotor responses (EVRs), which are short-latency (∼100 ms), goal-directed bursts of lower-limb muscle activity. Interestingly, we previously demonstrated that recruitment of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) interacted with the subcortically-generated EVRs in the lower limb, suggesting context-dependent top-down modulation.

We investigated the associated cortical dynamics prior to and during rapid step initiation towards a salient visual target in twenty-one young, healthy individuals while stepping under varying postural demands. We recorded high-density EEG, surface electromyography from gluteus medius and ground-reaction forces.

Independent component analysis and time–frequency statistics revealed significant, yet relatively modest differences between conditions in preparatory cortical dynamics, most evidently in primary motor areas. Following target presentation, we observed stronger theta and alpha power enhancement in the supplementary motor area, and stronger alpha and beta power decrease in primary motor, parietal and occipital clusters during APA recruitment that preceded steps under high postural demands. Side-specific changes in motor cortex lagged the timing of EVR expression, supporting the EVR’s purportedly subcortical origin. Together, our findings point towards greater cortical involvement in step initiation under high postural demands as compared to more reflexive, stimulus-driven steps. These findings may be particularly relevant for populations where postural control is impaired by age or disease, as more cortical resources may need to be allocated during stepping.