Cortical Lateralization in EEG Signals during Motor Execution and Imagination of the movement: Insights for Brain-Computer Interfaces

The motor cortex plays a crucial role in controlling the movements of the body, with the right motor cortex governing the left limbs and the left motor cortex governing the right limbs. Understanding the neuronal events involved in motor planning and execution is crucial for developing Brain- Computer Interfaces (BCIs), which allow communication between the brain and external devices. To achieve effective BCIs, it is important to distinguish motor electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from those related to attentional processes. Sensorimotor rhythms in the mu, beta, and gamma bands are commonly used in EEG-based BCIs. These rhythms are often analyzed through Event- Related Desynchronization/Synchronization (ERD/ERS), which indicates a decrease or increase in power, respectively. However, it is unclear if cortical lateralization is observable in these EEG bands during unilateral forearm movements.