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Beta-band oscillations—signalling the status quo?
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Abstract
In this review, we consider the potential functional role of beta-band oscillations,
which at present is not yet well understood. We discuss evidence from recent studies
on top-down mechanisms involved in cognitive processing, on the motor system and on
the pathophysiology of movement disorders that suggest a unifying hypothesis: beta-band
activity seems related to the maintenance of the current sensorimotor or cognitive
state. We hypothesize that beta oscillations and/or coupling in the beta-band are
expressed more strongly if the maintenance of the status quo is intended or predicted,
than if a change is expected. Moreover, we suggest that pathological enhancement of
beta-band activity is likely to result in an abnormal persistence of the status quo
and a deterioration of flexible behavioural and cognitive control.
(c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.