A radial basis function neural network for single sweep detection of somatosensory evoked potentials

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the employment of a Gaussian Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) for the on-line detection of Single Sweep Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SswSEPs), paying particular attention to the capability of tracking trial-to-trial variabilities. On the basis of simulations the parameters of the network have been set and the results have then been compared with those obtained from other methods, in particular with the ensemble averaging, the moving window averaging and the ARX filtering. This research shows a better performance of the RBFNN, because it is able to follow changes of the underlying signal even in noisy conditions and does not require prior assumptions

Exploring the positive involvement of primary motor cortex in observing motor sequences with music: a pilot study with tDCS

Introduction: The present study aims at exploring the effects of the depolarization of the primary motor cortex (M1), which is supposed to be associated to the mirror neuron system (MNS), via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and of synchronous music on individuals' responses to observed actions/non actions in a sample of individuals with low sports expertise. The two main theories behind this study are linked to the role of the MNS in the human brain and the embodied cognition theory, which suggests an interdependent relationship between action, perception and cognition. Method: Nineteen college students attending to BA in motor science watched five videos (one presenting a target motor action performed by a basketball player and the other four presenting human vs. non-human performed actions as a control), with or without background music and with or without anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex. Results and Conclusions: Data highlighted that observation promoted the activation of MNS, which led to a more deep and probably adequate processing of the stimulus. Music enhanced this effect, even when the MNS is affected by anodal stimulation, and should hence be considered as a valid support when both physical and psychological complications occur in rehabilitation