Visual Feedback Gain Modulates the Activation of Task-Related Networks and the Suppression of Non-Task Networks During Precise Grasping

Visual feedback gain is a crucial factor influencing the performance of precision grasping tasks, involving multiple brain regions of the visual motor system during task execution. However, the dynamic changes in brain network during this process remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of changes in visual feedback gain during precision grasping on brain network dynamics. Sixteen participants performed precision grip tasks at 15% of MVC under low (0.1°), medium (1°), and high (3°) visual feedback gain conditions, with simultaneous recording of EEG and right-hand precision grip data during the tasks. Utilizing electroencephalogram (EEG) microstate analysis, multiple parameters (Duration, Occurrence, Coverage, Transition probability(TP)) were extracted to assess changes in brain network dynamics. Precision grip accuracy and stability were evaluated using root mean square error(RMSE) and coefficient of variation(CV) of grip force. Compared to low visual feedback gain, under medium/high gain, the Duration, Occurrence, and Coverage of microstates B and D increase, while those of microstates A and C decrease. The Transition probability from microstates A, C, and D to B all increase. Additionally, RMSE and CV of grip force decrease. Occurrence and Coverage of microstates B and C are negatively correlated with RMSE and CV. These findings suggest that visual feedback gain affects the brain network dynamics during precision grasping; moderate increase in visual feedback gain can enhance the accuracy and stability of grip force, whereby the increased Occurrence and Coverage of microstates B and C contribute to improved performance in precision grasping. Our results play a crucial role in better understanding the impact of visual feedback gain on the motor control of precision grasping.