The Importance of Low-frequency Alpha (8-10 Hz) Waves and Default Mode Network in Behavioral Inhibition

Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2024 Feb 29;22(1):53-66. doi: 10.9758/cpn.22.1035. Epub 2023 May 30.

Abstract

Objective: : Alpha wave of electroencephalography (EEG) is known to be related to behavioral inhibition. Both the alpha wave and default mode network (DMN) are predominantly activated during resting-state. To study the mechanisms of the trait inhibition, this research investigating the relations among alpha wave, DMN and behavioral inhibition in resting-state.

Methods: : We explored the relationship among behavioral inhibition, resting-state alpha power, and DMN. Resting-state EEG, behavioral inhibition/behavioral activation scale (BIS/BAS), Barratt impulsivity scale, and no-go accuracy were assessed in 104 healthy individuals. Three groups (i.e., participants with low/middle/high band power) were formed based on the relative power of each total-alpha, low-alpha (LA), and high-alpha band. Source-reconstructed EEG and functional network measures of 25 DMN regions were calculated.

Results: : Significant differences and correlations were found based on LA band power alone. The high LA group had significantly greater BIS, clustering coefficient, efficiency, and strength, and significantly lower path length than low/middle LA group. BIS score showed a significant correlation with functional network measures of DMN.

Conclusion: : Our study revealed that LA power is related to behavioral inhibition and functional network measures of DMN of LA band appear to represent significant inhibitory function.

Keywords: Behavioral inhibition; Default mode network; Functional network; Low alpha.

Grants and funding

Funding This work was supported by a grant from the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) funded by the Korean government (NRF-2018R1A2A2A05018505), the Korea Medical Device Development Fund grant funded by the Korea government (the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Health &Welfare, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) (1711138348, KMDF_PR_20200901_0169), and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. NRF-2019M3C7A1031278).