Neural evidence for action-related somatosensory predictions

Abstract

The tactile consequences of self-initiated movements are thought to be predicted by a forward model, yet the precise neural implementation of these predictions remains unclear. In non- motor contexts, expectations are thought to activate sensory neurons tuned towards the expected stimulus. This acts as a predictive template against which afferent sensory input is compared. It is unclear whether forward model predictions have a similar neural instantiation. Here we employed time-resolved multivariate decoding on human electroencephalography (EEG) during self-generated movements to examine the content of predictive neural activity. Human participants performed index finger movements which were predictably paired with a vibration to either the index or ring finger of the opposite, passive hand. On some trials the tactile stimulus was unexpectedly omitted. Results revealed above-chance finger decoding in the pre-movement period supporting a predictive representation of expected stimulation location. As the movement approached, this predictive activity became similar to late-stage processing of a physical tactile stimulus. On omission trials, we found that despite the absence of afferent input, finger location could be decoded [~]120 ms after expected stimulus onset. This shows a stimulus-specific omission response. Together these findings indicate that self-generated movement pre-activates neurons tuned towards expected tactile consequences.